Self-regulating osmotic gastroretentive drug delivery systems

ABSTRACT

Self-regulating, osmotic, floating gastroretentive compositions that provide extended release, delayed release, and/or delayed extended release of active pharmaceutical agents, as well as, optionally, immediate release of the same or a different active pharmaceutical agent, are provided here. The gastroretentive compositions of the disclosure comprise a swellable, extended release, multilayer core comprising a push layer and a pull layer; a water-insoluble permeable elastic membrane surrounding the multilayer core; and an orifice (e.g., a laser-drilled orifice, a manually drilled orifice) on the pull-layer side of the dosage form. The gastric retention of the composition is controlled by rapid floating of the composition and expansion of the membrane. The rapid swelling of the composition to a size greater than the size of the pyloric sphincter is due to the presence of an osmogen, adequate membrane permeability that provides for fast generation of CO 2  from a gas-generating agent(s), and adequate membrane elasticity that provides for rapid expansion of the membrane. The hydrated core, especially the polyethylene oxide in the push layer, and the permeable elastic membrane with an orifice (1) provide extended release of the active pharmaceutical agent, and (2) maintain the dosage form at a size suitable for gastric retention. The self-regulating composition collapses, or breaks into pieces, after releasing at least about 80% of the drug from the composition.

1. RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/778,439, filed Jan. 31, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/634,792, filed Jan. 28, 2020, which is a U.S.National Stage Patent Application under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of InternationalApplication No. PCT/US2019/039573, filed on Jun. 27, 2019, which claimspriority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 62/690,568, filedJun. 27, 2018, and 62/822,572, filed Mar. 22, 2019, the disclosures ofwhich are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

2. TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure provides compositions comprising aself-regulating, osmotic, floating gastroretentive drug delivery system.The compositions of the disclosure are suitable for providing extendedrelease of drugs that possess a rationale for gastroretentiveadministration. The compositions extend the release of drug for about 6hours to about 24 hours, without losing gastroretentive attributes ofthe system (GRS attributes), and break into fragments, or collapse toallow emptying from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract after complete drugrelease from the composition. The compositions of the disclosure, whenconsumed or when in contact with media simulating gastric conditions,float in about 30 minutes or less, expand in about 60 minutes or less toa size that prevents passage through the pyloric sphincter of a human,and remain in an expanded state, while releasing therapeuticconcentrations of the drug, for prolonged periods, e.g., about 6-24hours.

3. BACKGROUND

Despite advances in extended release technology, retention of a drug inan extended release dosage form beyond the duration of a fedmode/gastric emptying can reduce therapeutic efficacy of many drugs. Inthe absence of food, the dosage form can pass from the stomach into thesmall intestine, and over a period of two to four hours can pass throughthe small intestine, reaching the colon with the drug still in thedosage form. This can be problematic for drugs that would normallyprovide maximum benefit with minimum side effects when absorbed in theupper gastrointestinal (GI) tract and jejunum, rather than, e.g., thecolon. For example, most orally administered antibiotics have apotential of altering the normal flora of the GI tract, and particularlythe flora of the colon, resulting in release of dangerous toxins causingnausea, diarrhea, and life-threatening or fatal side effects; examplesof antibiotics that pose this type of threat are tetracycline,metronidazole, amoxicillin, and clindamycin.

Other challenges exist with certain drugs that are susceptible todegradation by intestinal enzymes. The degradation occurs before thedrug can be absorbed through the intestinal wall, leaving only afraction of the administered dose available for the intended therapeuticaction. Examples of such drugs include ranitidine and metforminhydrochloride.

For certain drugs, the pH at a given site within the GI tract is anessential determinant of the bioavailability of the drug, as thesolubility of the drug varies with the pH. In certain situations, suchdrugs are not fully absorbed before reaching the colon because theyrequire an acidic environment for providing effective bioavailability.For example, esters of ampicillin are highly soluble drugs that achievetheir highest bioavailability at a low pH. Some drugs that are solublein an acidic environment, but insoluble in an alkaline environment, losetheir efficacy upon reaching the lower portions of the GI tract. Forsuch drugs, the portions of the drug that are undissolved cannot beabsorbed, whereas the portions that are dissolved but not yet absorbedcan precipitate in the small intestine. Therefore, it is desirable toformulate such active pharmaceutical agents in dosage forms that releaseand absorb the active agent before reaching the lower GI tract.

Further, retention of a drug within a tablet or other dosage form beyondthe duration of a fed mode/gastric emptying can reduce the therapeuticefficacy of drugs with a narrow absorption window (NAW) in the upper GItract.

Gastroretentive dosage forms are particularly beneficial for activepharmaceutical agents that possess at least one of the followingrationales for gastroretentive administration: NAW in the upper GItract, weakly basic with high pH-dependent solubility, act locally inupper GI tract, and active pharmaceutical agents with any of the abovecharacteristics that degrade in lower GI tract and/or disturb normalcolonic microbes.

Various gastroretentive systems known in the art are disclosed in thefollowing documents: U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,101,650; 4,777,033; 4,844,905; PCTPublication Nos. WO 00/015198; WO 01/010419; WO 02/000213; Deshpande etal. (1997) Pharm. Res., 14(6):815-819 (“Deshpande (1997a)”); Deshpandeet al. (1997) Int. J. Pharmaceutics, 159:255-258 (“Deshpande (1997b)”),the disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference in theirentireties.

Deshpande (1997a) discloses gastroretentive tablets with a swelling coreand a coating over the tablet core to provide support needed by the coreto remain intact in the face of shear stress and the hydrodynamicenvironment of the GI tract. The swelling core of the gastroretentivetablets comprises CARBOPOL® (pH-dependent swellable anionic polymer),carbonates/bicarbonates, and a superdisintegrant, e.g., polyvinylpyrrolidone XL. The tablets were noted to swell due tosuperdisintegrant-assisted disintegration of the tablet matrix, andgelling/swelling of CARBOPOL® in the presence ofcarbonates/bicarbonates. Further, the release of CO₂ in the acidic pH ofGI fluid confers buoyancy to the tablet.

Deshpande (1997b) evaluates membranes with various ratios of EUDRAGIT®RL 30D and EUDRAGIT® NE 30D, used in the development of controlledrelease systems for gastric retention. The publication teaches thatincreasing amounts of EUDRAGIT® NE 30D have a normalizing effect onoverall permeability of the membrane, while enhancing elasticity andmechanical strength of the membrane. The publication provides an optimumratio of EUDRAGIT® RL 30D and EUDRAGIT® NE 30D as 70:30 in membranes forcoating tablets. At this ratio, the paper reports that the combinationprovided enough elasticity and strength to withstand pressure ofexpansion.

The two above-mentioned Deshpande publications fail to describe orsuggest any osmotic gastroretentive composition that can providecontrolled release of a drug, particularly weakly basic drugs, forextended periods of time, e.g., about 10 hours to about 24 hours.Further, the two publications fail to address the mutualnoncompatibility of the two polymers and the effects of polymernoncompatibility on the duration of floating, the floating lag time, andthe membrane strength and membrane elasticity to withstand pH andhydrodynamic conditions in the stomach. The publications also fail todiscuss the effects of any polymer ratios tested on the extended releaseprofile of active pharmaceutical agents with various solubility levels.

Despite improvements in the gastroretentive technology, there are only ahandful of products that can take advantage of the gastroretentivetechnology due to inherent limitations, either due to solubility ofactive pharmaceutical agent or suboptimal product design.

Thus, there remains a need in the art for gastroretentive drug deliverysystems that extend the gastric residence time and duration of floatingfor drugs with NAW such that the drug is released in a therapeuticamount, at a controlled rate, into the proximity of its site ofabsorption (or action) for an extended period or reaches other sites inthe GI tract in a uniform manner. There is a need in the art for rapidlyexpanding gastroretentive drug delivery systems that provide controlledextended release of narrow therapeutic index drugs in a desiredtherapeutic window. There remains a need to develop rapidly expandinggastroretentive drug delivery systems, suitable for compositions withany drug loading capacity, to provide extended release, or combinedimmediate and extended release, of drugs that possess at least one ofthe above mentioned rationales for gastric retention. In particular,there is a need in the art for a gastroretentive drug delivery systemthat provides compositions, that float, e.g., in about 15-30 minutes orless, and expand, e.g., in about one hour or less (e.g., about 30minutes), to a size that prevents its passage through the pyloricsphincter of a human when in contact with gastric fluids, remain in anexpanded state while providing extended release of the drug forprolonged periods, e.g., about 6 to about 24 hours, and then eitherbreak into fragments, or collapse into a state suitable for emptying ofthe composition from the GI tract. The present disclosure providesself-regulating, osmotic, floating gastroretentive compositions thataddress the issues of providing uniform drug release with minimalpharmacokinetic variability, improving drug bioavailability, reducingfloating lag time, and providing rapid expansion, that is independent ofpH and food, to avoid premature transit of the composition through theGI tract.

4. SUMMARY

In certain embodiments, the present disclosure provides for an osmotic,floating gastroretentive dosage form comprising a multilayer corecomprising a pull layer containing an active pharmaceutical agent, anacid, and a gas-generating agent; and a push layer, and a permeableelastic membrane surrounding the multilayer core, wherein the permeableelastic membrane contains at least one orifice and comprises at leastone ammonium polymethacrylate copolymer.

In certain embodiments, the dosage form of the present disclosure, whenin contact with media simulating gastric conditions, can float in about30 minutes or less, and can swell in about one hour or less to a sizethat prevents its passage through a pyloric sphincter of a human andavoids premature transit to lower portions of gastrointestinal tract.

In certain embodiments, the dosage form of the present disclosure canprovide an extended release of the active pharmaceutical agent, in thestomach of a patient consuming the dosage form, for a period of at leastabout 10 hours.

In certain embodiments, the dosage form of the present disclosure canremain in the swollen state for at least about 10 hours.

In certain embodiments, the dosage form of the present disclosure can beself-regulating dosage form that, when in contact with media simulatinggastric conditions, floats in about 30 minutes or less, and swells inabout one hour or less to a size that prevents its passage through apyloric sphincter of a human, and collapses or breaks apart when atleast about 80% of the active pharmaceutical agent is released.

In certain embodiments, the dosage form of the present disclosure canexhibit a volume gain of about 100% in less than about 1 hour in 200 mlof pH 4.5 acetate buffer at 37° C.

In certain embodiments, the dosage form of the present disclosure canexhibit a volume gain of about 100% in about 3 hours in about 200 ml oflight meal media at about 37° C. In certain embodiments, the light mealmedia comprises sodium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium chloride,phosphate salts, citric acid, and sugar.

In certain embodiments, the dosage form of the present disclosure can,upon dissolution in about 900 ml of a dissolution medium comprisingabout 0.001 N HCl with 10 mM NaCl, exhibit about 40% dissolution of theactive pharmaceutical agent in about 120 minutes.

In certain embodiments, the orifice in the permeable elastic membrane ofthe dosage form of the present disclosure is in fluid communication withthe pull layer.

In certain embodiments, both the pull layer and the push layer of thedosage form of the present disclosure can comprise swellablewater-soluble hydrophilic polymers. In certain embodiments, theswellable water-soluble hydrophilic polymer in the push layer is apolyethylene oxide having an average molecular weight of greater than orequal to 600,000. In certain embodiments, the swellable water-solublehydrophilic polymer in the pull layer is a polyethylene oxide having anaverage molecular weight of less than or equal to 1,000,000. In certainembodiments, the swellable water-soluble hydrophilic polymers arepolyethylene oxides. In certain embodiments, the average molecularweights of the polyethylene oxides in the pull layer and the push layerare different to provide a decreasing viscosity gradient from the pushlayer to the pull layer. In certain embodiments, the viscosity gradientfrom push layer to pull layer can be sufficient to prevent mixing of thetwo layers.

In certain embodiments the permeable elastic membrane layer of thedosage form of the present disclosure can further comprises aplasticizer. In certain embodiments, the plasticizer can be present inamount of between about 10 wt % and about 20 wt % of ammoniumpolymethacrylate copolymer.

In certain embodiments, the gas-generating agent of the dosage form ofthe present disclosure can be present in an amount of between about 10wt % and about 50 wt % of the pull layer.

In certain embodiments, the dosage form of the present disclosure can bea horizontally compressed bilayer tablet comprising a long axis and ashort axis.

In certain embodiments, the dosage form of the present disclosure can bea horizontally compressed oval, modified oval, or capsule shaped bilayertablet. In certain embodiments, the long axis can be between about 12 mmand about 22 mm long and the short axis can be between about 8 mm andabout 11 mm long.

In certain embodiments, the active pharmaceutical agent of the dosageform of the present disclosure can be a weakly basic drug.

In certain embodiments, the polyethylene oxide of the dosage form of thepresent disclosure can have an average molecular weight of about200,000, about 300,000, about 400,000, about 500,000, about 600,000,about 700,000, about 800,000, about 900,000, or intermediate valuestherein.

In certain embodiments, the polyethylene oxide of the dosage form of thepresent disclosure can have an average molecular weight of about700,000, about 800,000, about 900,000, about 1,000,000, about 2,000,000,about 3,000,000, about 4,000,000, about 5,000,000, about 6,000,000,about 7,000,000, or intermediate values therein.

In certain embodiments, the swellable water-soluble hydrophilic polymerin the pull layer of the dosage form of the present disclosure can be amixture of two polyethylene oxides having average molecular weights ofabout 7,000,000 and about 200,000 that are present in a ratio of betweenabout 1:99 and about 10:90 respectively.

In certain embodiments, the gas-generating agent of the dosage form ofthe present disclosure can be a carbonate salt selected from the groupconsisting of NaHCO₃, CaCO₃, and a mixture thereof. In certainembodiments, the gas-generating agent can be a mixture of NaHCO₃ andCaCO₃.

In certain embodiments, the acid of the dosage form of the presentdisclosure can be selected from the group consisting of succinic acid,citric acid, acetic acid, malic acid, fumaric acid, stearic acid,tartaric acid, boric acid, benzoic acid, and combinations thereof. Incertain embodiments, the acid can be succinic acid.

In certain embodiments, the plasticizer of the dosage form of thepresent disclosure can be selected from the group consisting of triethylcitrate, triacetin, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and dibutylsebacate. In certain embodiments, the plasticizer can be triethylcitrate.

In certain embodiments, the ammonium polymethacrylate copolymer of thedosage form of the present disclosure can be a copolymer of ethylacrylate, methyl methacrylate, and trimethylammonioethyl methacrylatechloride in powder form (EUDRAGIT® RL PO).

In certain embodiments, the dosage form of the present disclosure canfurther comprise a cosmetic coat over the permeable elastic membrane.

In certain embodiments, the dosage form of the present disclosure canfurther comprise a seal coat between the core and the permeable elasticmembrane. In certain embodiments, the seal coat of the dosage form ofthe present disclosure can comprise a pH-independent water-solublepolymer containing a hypromellose-based polymer or a polyvinylacetate-based polymer.

In certain embodiments, the gas-generating agent of the dosage form ofthe present disclosure can generate CO₂ independent of a fed or fastedstate of an individual.

In certain embodiments, the dosage form of the present disclosure canexhibit a floating lag time of about 15 minutes or less in about 250 mlof pH 4.5 acetate buffer.

In certain embodiments, the push layer of the dosage form of the presentdisclosure can further comprise an osmogen selected from the groupcomprising sodium chloride, potassium chloride, potassium sulfate,lithium sulfate, sodium sulfate, lactose and sucrose combination,lactose and dextrose combination, sucrose, dextrose, mannitol, dibasicsodium phosphate, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, theosmogen can be sodium chloride.

In certain embodiments, the dosage form of the present disclosure canexpand in about 30 minutes or less to a size that prevents its passagethrough pyloric sphincter.

In certain embodiments, the present disclosure provides for an osmotic,floating gastroretentive dosage form comprising a multilayer corecomprising a pull layer containing an active pharmaceutical agent, anacid, and a gas-generating agent; and a push layer, and a permeableelastic membrane containing an orifice and surrounding the multilayercore, wherein the membrane comprises a plasticizer and an ammoniumpolymethacrylate copolymer, wherein the plasticizer is present in anamount of between about 10 wt % and about 20 wt % of the quaternaryammonium polymethacrylate copolymer, wherein the dosage form, when incontact with media simulating gastric conditions, floats in about 30minutes or less, and expands in about one hour or less to a size thatprevents its passage through a pyloric sphincter of a human, and whereinthe membrane maintains the integrity of the dosage form in the expandedstate to provide an extended release of the active pharmaceutical agentfor a period of at least about 12 hours.

In certain embodiments, the dosage form of the present disclosure canexpand in about 30 minutes or less to a size that prevents its passagethrough pyloric sphincter. In certain embodiments, the dosage form ofthe present disclosure can exhibit at least about 100% volume gain inabout 3 hours in about 200 ml of an aqueous medium comprising sodiumchloride, potassium chloride, calcium chloride, citric acid, phosphatesalts, and sugar.

In certain embodiments, the medium simulating gastric conditions can bepH 4.5 acetate buffer.

In certain embodiments, the dosage form of the present disclosure can,upon dissolution in about 900 ml of a dissolution medium comprisingabout 10 mM NaCl in about 0.001 N HCl, exhibit at least about 40%dissolution of the active pharmaceutical agent in about 120 minutes.

In certain embodiments, both, the pull layer and the push layer of thedosage form of the present disclosure can comprise swellablewater-soluble hydrophilic polymers.

In certain embodiments the orifice in the permeable elastic membrane ofthe present disclosure can be in fluid communication with the pulllayer.

In certain embodiments, the push layer of the dosage form of the presentdisclosure can comprise an osmogen, and a swellable water-solublehydrophilic polymer. In certain embodiments, the swellable water solublehydrophilic polymer can be a polyethylene oxide having an averagemolecular weight of greater than or equal to about 600,000.

In certain embodiments, the pull layer of the dosage form of the presentdisclosure can further comprise a swellable water-soluble hydrophilicpolymer.

In certain embodiments, the swellable water soluble hydrophilic polymerof the dosage form of the present disclosure can be a polyethylene oxidehaving an average molecular weight of less than or equal to about1,000,000.

In certain embodiments, the swellable water-soluble hydrophilic polymerof the dosage form of the present disclosure can be a polyethyleneoxide.

In certain embodiments, the average molecular weights of thepolyethylene oxides in the pull layer and the push layer of the dosageforms of the present disclosure can be different to provide a decreasingviscosity gradient from the push layer to the pull layer. In certainembodiments, the viscosity gradient from push layer to pull layer can besufficient to prevent mixing of the two layers.

In certain embodiments, the gas-generating agent of the dosage form ofthe present disclosure can comprise a mixture of sodium bicarbonate andcalcium carbonate that is present in an amount of about 10 wt % to about20 wt % of the pull layer.

In certain embodiments, the plasticizer of the dosage form of thepresent disclosure can be present in an amount of between about 10 wt %and about 15 wt % of quaternary ammonium polymethacrylate copolymer.

In certain embodiments, the dosage form of the present disclosure can bea horizontally compressed oval, modified oval, or capsule shaped bilayertablet comprising a long axis and a short axis. In certain embodiments,the present disclosure provides for a bilayer tablet wherein the longaxis is between about 12 mm to about 22 mm long and the short axis isbetween about 8 mm to about 11 mm long.

In certain embodiments, the active pharmaceutical agent of the dosageform of the present disclosure can be a weakly basic drug.

In certain embodiments, the dosage form of the present disclosure canexhibit a volume gain of at least about 100% in about 45 minutes inabout 200 ml of about 0.01 N HCl.

In certain embodiments, the dosage form of the present disclosure canexhibit a volume gain of at least about 150% in about 120 minutes inabout 200 ml of about 0.01 N HCl.

In certain embodiments, the swellable water-soluble hydrophilic polymerin the pull layer of the dosage form of the present disclosure cancomprise one or more polyethylene oxides having an average molecularweight of about 200,000, about 300,000, about 400,000, about 500,000,about 600,000, about 700,000, about 800,000, about 900,000, orintermediate values therein.

In certain embodiments, the swellable water-soluble hydrophilic polymerin the push layer of the dosage form of the present disclosure cancomprise one or more polyethylene oxides having an average molecularweight of about 700,000, about 800,000, about 900,000, about 1,000,000,about 2,000,000, about 3,000,000, about 4,000,000, about 5,000,000,about 6,000,000, about 7,000,000, or intermediate values therein.

In certain embodiments, the swellable water-soluble hydrophilic polymerin the pull layer of the dosage form of the present disclosure can be amixture of two polyethylene oxides having average molecular weights ofabout 7,000,000 and about 200,000, present in a ratio of between about1:99 and about 10:90 respectively.

In certain embodiments, the acid of the dosage form of the presentdisclosure can be selected from the group consisting of succinic acid,citric acid, acetic acid, malic acid, fumaric acid, stearic acid,tartaric acid, boric acid, benzoic acid, and combinations thereof. Incertain embodiments, the acid can be succinic acid.

In certain embodiments, the plasticizer of the dosage form of thepresent disclosure can be selected from the group consisting of triethylcitrate, triacetin, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and dibutylsebacate.

In certain embodiments, the plasticizer of the dosage form of thepresent disclosure can be triethyl citrate.

In certain embodiments, the ammonium polymethacrylate copolymer of thedosage form of the present disclosure can be a powder copolymer of ethylacrylate, methyl methacrylate, and trimethylammonioethyl methacrylatechloride (EUDRAGIT® RL PO).

In certain embodiments, the dosage form of the present disclosure canfurther comprise a cosmetic coat over the permeable elastic membrane.

In certain embodiments, the dosage form of the present disclosure canfurther comprise a seal coat between the core and the permeable elasticmembrane.

In certain embodiments, the seal coat of the present disclosure cancomprise a pH-independent water-soluble polymer containing ahypromellose-based polymer or a polyvinyl acetate-based polymer.

In certain embodiments, the present disclosure provides for ahorizontally compressed oval-shaped bilayer gastroretentive tabletdosage form containing a long axis and a short axis, wherein the longaxis is between about 12 mm and about 22 mm long, and the short axis isbetween about 8 mm and about 11 mm wide, wherein the bilayer tablet,when in contact with media simulating gastric conditions, floats inabout 30 minutes or less, and expands in about one hour or less to asize that prevents its passage through a pyloric sphincter of a human.

In certain embodiments, the bilayer gastroretentive dosage form of thepresent disclosure can further comprise a bilayer core comprising a pulllayer containing an active pharmaceutical agent, an acid, and agas-generating agent; and a push layer, and a permeable elastic membranecontaining an orifice and surrounding the multilayer core.

In certain embodiments, the membrane of the bilayer gastroretentivedosage form of the present disclosure can comprise a plasticizer and anammonium polymethacrylate copolymer.

In certain embodiments, the present disclosure provides for aself-regulating, osmotic, floating gastroretentive dosage formcomprising a multilayer core comprising a pull layer containing anactive pharmaceutical agent, an acid, and a gas-generating agent; and apush layer, and a permeable elastic membrane containing at least oneorifice and surrounding the multilayer core, wherein the permeableelastic membrane comprises at least one ammonium polymethacrylatecopolymer; wherein the dosage form, when in contact with mediasimulating gastric conditions, floats in about 30 minutes or less, andswells in about one hour or less to a size that prevents its passagethrough a pyloric sphincter of a human, and collapses or breaks apartwhen at least about 80% of the active pharmaceutical agent is released.

In certain embodiments, the present disclosure provides for a method forimproving bioavailability of a weakly basic drug with a narrowabsorption window in the upper gastrointestinal tract, the methodcomprising administering to a subject a self-regulating, osmotic,floating gastroretentive dosage form comprising a multilayer corecomprising (1) a pull layer containing the weakly basic drug, an acid,and a gas-generating agent; and a push layer, and (2) a permeableelastic membrane surrounding the multilayer core, wherein the permeablemembrane contains at least one orifice and at least one ammoniumpolymethacrylate copolymer, and wherein the dosage form provides astable concentration of the weakly basic drug for an extended period oftime.

In certain embodiments, the present disclosure provides for a method fortreating a condition that requires extended release of an activepharmaceutical agent that is absorbed in the upper gastrointestinaltract, the method comprising administering to a subject aself-regulating, osmotic, floating gastroretentive dosage formcomprising (1) a multilayer core comprising a pull layer containing theactive pharmaceutical agent, an acid, and a gas-generating agent; and apush layer, and (2) a permeable elastic membrane surrounding themultilayer core, wherein the permeable elastic membrane contains atleast one orifice and at least one ammonium polymethacrylate copolymer.

In certain embodiments, the present disclosure provides for a method fortreating Parkinson's disease, the method comprising administering to aParkinson's disease patient a self-regulating, osmotic, floatinggastroretentive dosage form comprising (1) a multilayer core comprisinga pull layer containing an active pharmaceutical agent(s) suitable fortreating Parkinson's disease, an acid, and a gas-generating agent; and apush layer, and (2) a permeable elastic membrane surrounding themultilayer core, wherein the permeable elastic membrane contains atleast one orifice and at least one ammonium polymethacrylate copolymer.

In certain embodiments, the present disclosure provides for a method formaking a self-regulating, osmotic, floating gastroretentive dosage form,wherein the method comprises making a pull layer blend containing adrug, and a push layer blend; horizontally compressing the pull layerblend and the push layer blend into a bilayered tablet core; coating thebilayered tablet core with a permeable elastic membrane; and drilling anorifice into the permeable elastic membrane to provide fluidcommunication with the pull layer, wherein making the pull layer blendcomprises making intermediate drug granules containing the drug, andmixing the drug granules with extragranular excipients into a pull layerblend; wherein the intermediate drug granules comprise the drug,polyethylene oxide, and an acid, and the extragranular excipientscomprise a filler, a glidant, and a lubricant; wherein making the pushlayer blend comprises mixing an osmogen, polyethylene oxide, a colorpigment, and a lubricant into a push layer blend; and wherein thepermeable elastic membrane contains at least one ammoniumpolymethacrylate copolymer and at least one plasticizer.

5. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a schematic representation of the osmotic gastroretentivedosage form according to certain embodiments. FIG. 1 provides aschematic representation of the gastroretentive dosage form, accordingto certain embodiments, illustrating a bilayer tablet core, comprising aPush layer and a Pull layer, Seal coat-1 surrounding the tablet core, aPermeable elastic membrane surrounding Seal coat-1, Seal coat-2surrounding the permeable elastic membrane, a cosmetic coat surroundingSeal coat-2, and an Orifice passing through Seal coat-1, the Permeablemembrane, and Seal coat-2, wherein the Orifice is in fluid communicationwith the Pull layer.

FIG. 2 compares floating lag times of Tablet 1 and Tablet 2 in about 250ml of pH 4.5 acetate buffer, using USP dissolution apparatus III—Biodisreciprocating cylinder, at about 25 dpm and about 37° C. Tablet 2contained a higher coating weight gain in its functional coat thanTablet 1. FIG. 2 demonstrates that Tablets 1 and 2 exhibit a floatinglag time of about 15 minutes or less.

FIG. 3 compares volumetric swelling of Tablets 1 and 2 in about 200 mlof pH 4.5 acetate buffer, using a rotating bottle method, at about 15rpm and about 37° C. Tablet 2 contained a higher coating weight gain inits functional coat than Tablet 1. FIG. 3 shows volume gains of Tablets1 and 2 over an 18-hour period. FIG. 3 demonstrates that Tablets 1 and 2exhibit a volume gain of about 100% in less than 1 hour, e.g., about 45minutes.

FIG. 4 compares dissolution profiles of levodopa from Tablets 1 and 2,in about 900 ml of pH 4.5 acetate buffer, using USP dissolutionapparatus I—Custom Basket, at about 100 rpm and about 37° C. Tablet 2contained a higher coating weight gain in its functional coat thanTablet 1. FIG. 4 demonstrates that Tablets 1 and 2 exhibit less thanabout 20% dissolution of levodopa in about 2 hours.

FIG. 5 compares dissolution profiles of levodopa from Tablets 1 and 2,in about 200 ml of pH 4.5 acetate buffer, using a rotating bottlemethod, at about 15 rpm and about 37° C. Tablet 2 contained a highercoating weight gain in its functional coat than Tablet 1. FIG. 5demonstrates that Tablets 1 and 2 exhibit less than about 30%dissolution of levodopa in about 2 hours.

FIG. 6 compares dissolution profiles of levodopa from Tablets 1 and 2,in about in 250 ml of pH 4.5 acetate buffer, using USP III—Biodisreciprocating cylinder, at about 25 dpm and about 37° C. Tablet 2contained a higher coating weight gain in its functional coat thanTablet 1. FIG. 6 demonstrates that Tablets 1 and 2 exhibit less thanabout 30% dissolution of levodopa in about 2 hours.

FIG. 7 shows cyclic dissolution profile of levodopa from Tablet 1 andTablet 2, using USP III—Biodis reciprocating cylinder, at about 25 dpmand about 37° C., with an initial dissolution in about 250 ml pH 4.5acetate buffer, followed by dissolution in about 250 ml 0.01 N HCl, andfinal dissolution in about 250 ml pH 4.5 acetate buffer. Tablet 2contained a higher coating weight gain in its functional coat thanTablet 1. FIG. 7 demonstrates that Tablets 1 and 2 exhibit less thanabout 30% dissolution of levodopa in about 2 hours.

FIG. 8 compares dissolution profiles of levodopa from Tablet 5 (240 mglevodopa) and Tablet 6 (320 mg levodopa), in 900 ml of a dissolutionmedium comprising about 10 mM NaCl in about 0.001 N HCl, using USPI—Custom Basket, at about 100 rpm and about 37° C. FIG. 8 demonstratesabout 40% dissolution of levodopa in about 2 hours.

FIG. 9 compares volumetric swelling of Tablet 5 (240 mg levodopa) andTablet 6 (320 mg levodopa) in about 200 ml of an aqueous mediumcomprising sodium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium chloride,phosphate salts, citric acid, and sugar (light meal media), using arotating bottle method, at about 15 rpm and about 37° C. FIG. 9 showsvolume gain of Tablet 5 and Tablet 6 over an 8-hour period. The figuredemonstrates that Tablets 5 and 6 exhibit a volume gain of about 100% inabout 3 hours.

FIG. 10 shows pharmacokinetic profile for levodopa using Tablet 1 andTablet 2. Tablet 2 contained a higher coating weight gain in itsfunctional coat than Tablet 1. FIG. 10 demonstrates that Tablet 1 andTablet 2 provide extended release of levodopa for a period of about 12hours and are suitable for once or twice daily administration.

FIG. 11 shows pharmacokinetic profiles for levodopa using Tablet 5 andTablet 6. Tablet 5 contained 240 mg of levodopa (“LD”), 64.80 mg ofcarbidopa (“CD”), and 51.50 mg of PARTECK® M200. Tablet 6 contained 320mg of LD, 86.40 mg of CD, and no PARTECK® M200. FIG. 11 demonstratesthat Tablet 5 and Tablet 6 provide about 30% increase in bioavailabilitycompared to Tablet 1 and Tablet 2 (see, e.g., Tablets 1 and 2 in FIG.10). FIG. 11 further demonstrates dose proportionality between the 240mg and 320 mg tablet strengths.

FIG. 12 shows MRI scans in an open label, single-treatment, singleperiod MRI study of Tablet 5 (CD/LD-60/240 mg tablet containing blackiron oxide as contrast agent) in a healthy subject under fed conditions.The study was designed to determine the fate of the tablet at 8, 10, 12,16, and 24 hours (±30 minutes) post dose. FIG. 12 demonstrates that thepush layer containing polyethylene oxide with dispersed contrast agentis being released from the tablet between 16 hours and 24 hours postdose.

6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure provides self-regulating, osmotic gastroretentivecompositions that, when in contact with gastric fluids, float in 30minutes or less, expand rapidly in about one hour or less to a size thatprevents their passage through pyloric sphincter, and remain in expandedstate for prolonged periods, e.g., about 6-24 hours. The compositions ofthe disclosure maximize bioavailability of drugs that possess rationalesfor gastroretentive administration. In particular, the compositions ofthe disclosure provide for gastroretentive administration of drugs thathave variable transit times through various regions of the GI tract,have NAW in the upper GI tract, are susceptible to degradation inalkaline environment, require an acidic environment for maximumsolubility, provide maximum benefits with minimum side effects whenabsorbed in the stomach, duodenum, and proximal small intestine ratherthan, e.g., the colon, and/or are precipitated in alkaline environment.The compositions of the disclosure improve drug bioavailability by (1)retaining the dosage form in the stomach for a prolonged period, (2)extending the release of the drug in the stomach or upper GI tract, (3)providing uniform release profile for extended periods and (4)minimizing pharmacokinetic variability of the drug. Improved drugbioavailability provided by the gastroretentive compositions of thedisclosure reduces side effects, and improves patient compliance.

For clarity and not by way of limitation, this detailed description isdivided into the following subportions:

6.1. Definitions;

6.2. Self-regulating, Osmotic, Floating Gastroretentive Dosage Forms;

6.3. Active Agents;

6.4. Methods of Treating;

6.5. Methods of Making; and

6.6. Features of the Dosage Forms.

6.1. Definitions

The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinarymeanings in the art, within the context of the disclosed subject matterand in the specific context where each term is used. Certain terms arediscussed below, or elsewhere in the specification, to provideadditional guidance to the practitioner in describing the compositionsand methods of the disclosed subject matter and how to make and usethem.

As used herein, the use of the word “a” or “an” when used in conjunctionwith the term “comprising” in the claims and/or the specification canmean “one,” but it is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more,”“at least one,” and “one or more than one.” Still further, the terms“having,” “including,” “containing” and “comprising” are interchangeableand one of skill in the art is cognizant that these terms are open endedterms.

As used herein, “and/or” refers to and encompasses any and all possiblecombinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The term“about” or “approximately” as used herein means within an acceptableerror range for the particular value as determined by one of ordinaryskill in the art, which will depend in part on how the value is measuredor determined, i.e., the limitations of the measurement system. The term“about” can mean a range of up to 20%, or up to 10%, or up to 5%, or upto 1% of a given value. Alternatively, the term “about,” particularlywhen used with respect to biological systems or processes, can meanwithin an order of magnitude, or within 5-fold, or within 2-fold, of avalue.

The terms “osmotic gastroretentive dosage form,” “self-regulating,osmotic, floating gastroretentive dosage form /,” or the like, refer toa self-regulating, push-pull osmotic, floating dosage form providingdelayed gastric emptying as compared to food (e.g., retention in thestomach beyond the retention of food).

The term “self-regulating” as used herein refers to a gastroretentivedosage form that floats, expands, and finally breaks apart, orchanges/collapses to allow emptying of the dosage form from the GI tractand the patient.

The terms “osmotic dosage form” and the like, as used herein, refer to apush-pull osmotic dosage form containing a pull layer and a push layer,wherein the push layer swells to push the pull layer through an orifice,out of the dosage form. In certain embodiments, the pull layer cancomprise two or more layers.

The term “osmosis,” as used herein, refers to movement of a solvent froma solution of low solute concentration to a solute or a solution of highsolute concentration through a semipermeable or permeable membrane. Theterm “osmotic agent” includes swellable hydrophilic polymers, andosmogens/ionic compounds consisting of inorganic salts.

The terms “active agent,” “active ingredient,” “active pharmaceuticalagent,” “active pharmaceutical ingredient,” and “drug,” as usedinterchangeably herein, refer to an active pharmaceutical ingredient(API) compound, composition of matter, or mixture thereof that providesa therapeutic or prophylactic effect in the treatment of a disease orabnormal physiological condition. The active agent should be understoodto include the neutral form of the drug, as well as pharmaceuticallyacceptable salts, solvates, esters, and prodrugs thereof.

The term “pharmaceutically acceptable,” when used in connection with thepharmaceutical compositions of the disclosed subject matter, refers tomolecular entities and compositions that are physiologically tolerableand do not typically produce untoward reactions when administered to ahuman. As used herein, the term “pharmaceutically acceptable” can alsorefer to being approved by a regulatory agency of the Federal or a stategovernment or listed in the U.S. Pharmacopeia, National Formulary andDrug Standard Laboratory (NF), or other generally recognizedpharmacopeia for use in animals, and more particularly in humans.

The term “bioavailability,” as used herein refers to the fraction of anadministered drug that reaches the systemic circulation, as measuredthrough various pharmacokinetic metrics such as C_(max), T_(max),AUC_(0-t), and AUC_(0-inf).

The terms “dosage form,” “formulation,” “composition,” and“pharmaceutical composition,” as used interchangeably herein, refer topharmaceutical drug products in the form in which they are marketed foruse, with specific mixture of active pharmaceutical ingredients andinactive excipients, in a particular configuration, e.g., tablets,capsules, particles, and apportioned into a particular dose.

The term “simulated gastric fluid,” as used herein, refers to fluidmedium that is used to mimic chemical environment of gastric medium invitro.

The term “gastric fluid,” as used herein, refers to medium occurring instomach of an individual.

The terms “dissolution medium” and “medium simulating gastricconditions,” as used interchangeably herein, refer to a medium ofdissolution that is used to mimic gastric fluid conditions in anindividual. In certain embodiments, the dissolution medium comprises pH4.5 acetate buffer; 0.01N HCl; 0.001N HCl with 10 mM NaCl; or 0.01N HCLwith 150 mM NaCl.

The term “light meal medium,” as used herein, refers to mediumsimulating gastric medium of an individual after consumption of a lightmeal. The term “light meal medium” refers to an aqueous mediumcomprising sodium chloride, potassium chloride, potassium hydrogenphosphate, calcium chloride, citric acid, and sugar.

The term “degradable,” as used herein, refers to capable of beingchemically and/or physically modified, dissolved, or broken down, e.g.,in the body of a patient, within a relevant time period.

The term “prolonged period” or the like, as used herein, refers to aperiod that lasts for about an hour to several hours, e.g., about 1 hourto about 24 hours, e.g., about 5 hours to about 18 hours (e.g., betweenabout 12 hours and about 18 hours). A prolonged period (or the like)includes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18,19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, or more hours.

The terms “swellable” and “swelling,” as used herein with respect to apolymer, can be used interchangeably and refer to a polymer that swellsby imbibing fluid and/or trapping CO₂.

The terms “expanding” and “expansion,” as used herein with respect to amembrane, can be used interchangeably and refer to stretching ordistention of the membrane due to an outward pressure (e.g., gaspressure, or pressure due to swelling of a polymer in the core) on themembrane.

The term “rapidly expanding” as used herein with respect to a membrane,refers to expansion of the membrane being faster than swelling of thecore due to imbibition of fluid and generation of CO₂. In certainembodiments, the term “rapidly expanding” refers to expansion of themembrane to provide at least 50% volume gain of the dosage form from itsinitial volume in about 30 minutes or less.

The terms “shear” and “shear effect,” as used herein, can be usedinterchangeably and refer to peristaltic waves moving from the midcorpusof the stomach to the pylorus, particularly in a fed state.

The terms “pore former” and the like, as used herein, refer towater-soluble polymers and/or water-soluble small molecules that willform pores or channels (i.e., behave as a channeling agent) in thefunctional coat/membrane, thereby increasing the permeability of themembrane.

The term “permeable membrane,” as used herein, refers to a polymericmembrane or a film that is substantially permeable to the passage ofsolutes and passage of fluids/solvents. The “permeable membrane” cancontain sparingly soluble polymers with or without a pore former(s), orinsoluble polymers with a pore former(s), that will allow particles andfluids to pass through membrane by diffusion.

The term “semipermeable membrane,” as used herein, refers to a polymericmembrane or a film that is substantially impermeable to the passage ofsolutes, including drug and other excipients/ingredients andsubstantially permeable to passage of fluids/solvents.

The term “substantially free,” as used herein, refers to excluding anyfunctional (e.g., noncontaminating) amount, which refers to any amountthat contributes or has an effect on release profile or lag time of thecomposition.

The terms “orifice” and “hole,” as used herein, can be usedinterchangeably and include, but are not limited to, at least oneopening/exit means in the coatings of the osmotic gastroretentivecomposition to provide fluid communication with the pull layer. Theopening can be formed via manual or laser drilling of the membrane coatand seal coats, often into the side facing the pull layer.

The term “patient,” as used herein, refers to a human or nonhuman mammalthat may need to receive an osmotic gastroretentive dosage form of thepresent disclosure.

The terms “treating” and “treatment,” as used herein, can be usedinterchangeably and refer to obtaining a desired pharmacological andphysiological effect. The effect can be prophylactic in terms ofpreventing or partially preventing a disease, symptom, or pathologicalcondition and/or can be therapeutic in terms of a partial or completealleviation or cure of a disease, condition, symptom, or adverse effectattributed to a pathological condition. Thus, “treatment” (and the like)covers any treatment of a disease in a mammal, particularly in a human,and includes, but is not limited to: (a) preventing a pathologicalcondition from occurring in an individual who may be predisposed todevelop the condition but, e.g., has not yet been diagnosed as havingsuch condition (e.g., causing the clinical symptoms of such conditionnot to develop); (b) inhibiting, arresting, or reducing the developmentof the pathological condition or its clinical symptoms; and (c)relieving symptoms associated with the pathological condition.

The term “upper GI tract,” as used herein, refers to the stomach, andproximal parts of the small intestine, e.g., the duodenum and jejunum.

The term “lower GI tract,” as used herein, refers to distal parts of thesmall intestine, e.g., the ileum, and all of the large intestine,including the colon, cecum, and rectum.

The term “floating” or the like, and as used herein in conjunction witha “floating gastroretentive dosage form” or the like, refers to a dosageform that has a bulk density less than gastric fluid and simulatedgastric fluid (SGF). Such dosage forms are “floating” in that theyremain buoyant in the gastric fluids of the stomach or SGF for atargeted period of time.

The term “floating lag time,” as used herein, includes the time betweenthe addition of a dosage form to a medium and the time when the dosageform begins to float on the surface of the medium (e.g., in an in vitrosetting), or the time between the consumption of a dosage form by a userand the time when the dosage form begins to float on the surface of thegastric fluid (e.g., in an in vivo setting).

The term “dissolution lag time,” as used herein, refers to the timebetween the addition of a dosage form to a medium and the time when theactive agent begins to dissolve in the medium.

The term “medium,” as used herein, refers to a dissolution medium in anin vitro setting and gastric fluid in an in vivo setting.

The term “viscosity gradient,” as used herein, refers to a difference inviscosity between adjacent layers of the multilayered gastroretentivedosage forms of the disclosure. The term “decreasing viscositygradient,” as used herein, refers to a decrease in viscosity from thepush layer to the pull layer, wherein the push layer and the pull layerare adjacent to each other, or a decrease in viscosity between adjacentpull layers.

The term “modified release,” as used herein, refers to dosage forms orcompositions that are formulated to modify drug release and drugavailability, after administration, over a desired period of time thatis longer than a corresponding immediate release period, therebyallowing a reduction in dosing frequency. Modified release dosage formsor compositions can include, but are not limited to, “extended release,”“controlled release,” “controlled extended release,” “delayed release,”and “pulsatile release” dosage forms or compositions.

The terms “extended release,” “controlled release,” and “controlledextended release,” as used herein, can be used interchangeably and referto modified release dosage forms or compositions that are formulated tomaintain targeted concentration of the administered drug, over anextended period of time after administration, as compared to a drugpresented as an immediate release dosage form.

The term “delayed release,” as used herein, refers to modified releasedosage forms or compositions that are formulated to release a discreteportion or portions of drug at a time other than promptly afteradministration.

The term “pulsatile release” as used herein, refers to modified releasedosage forms or compositions that are formulated to release discreteportions of drug in discrete pulses at discrete intervals afteradministration.

The term “highly soluble,” as used herein, refers to drugs/activepharmaceutical agents/active agents with a solubility of greater thanabout 100 mg/ml of water; the term “moderately soluble,” as used herein,refers to drugs/active pharmaceutical agents/active agents with asolubility of between about 100 mg/ml and about 1 mg/ml of water; theterm “sparingly soluble” (or “poorly soluble”), as used herein, refersto drugs/active pharmaceutical agents/active agents with a solubility ofbetween about 1 mg/ml and about 0.1 mg/ml of water; and the term“insoluble,” as used herein, refers to drugs/active pharmaceuticalagents/active agents with a solubility of less than about 0.1 mg/ml ofwater.

6.2. Self-Regulating, Osmotic, Floating Gastroretentive Dosage Forms

The present disclosure provides self-regulating, osmotic gastroretentivecompositions that, when in contact with gastric fluid/SGF, float inabout 30 minutes or less, expand in about one hour or less to a sizethat prevents their passage through the pyloric sphincter, and remain inan expanded state for prolonged periods, e.g., about 6-24 hours. Incertain embodiments, the compositions can provide extended release of anactive pharmaceutical agent, as well as, optionally, immediate releaseof the same or different active pharmaceutical agent. In certainembodiments, the compositions of the disclosure can provide delayedrelease or delayed extended release of an active pharmaceutical agent.The compositions of the disclosure include: i) a swellable multilayeredtablet core comprising a pull layer and a push layer; and ii) a rapidlyexpanding permeable (or semipermeable) elastic membrane surrounding theswellable core, wherein the membrane comprises a plasticizer and atleast one ammonium polymethacrylate copolymer, e.g., a copolymer ofethyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, and trimethylammonioethylmethacrylate chloride. In certain embodiments, the membrane can comprisecellulose acetate and a pore former, e.g., polyethylene glycol (PEG).

In certain embodiments of the disclosure, the self-regulating, osmoticgastroretentive composition, which continues to swell and eventuallybreaks apart, or collapses for emptying from the GI tract, after releaseof at least about 80% of the drug from the system, comprises: (i) aswellable multilayer tablet core comprising a pull layer comprising anactive agent, a gas-generating agent, and at least one swellablewater-soluble hydrophilic polymer; and a push layer comprising at leastone swellable water-soluble hydrophilic polymer, and at least oneosmogen; and (ii) a permeable elastic membrane, containing anorifice/hole in fluid communication with the pull layer, over thebilayer tablet core, and comprising a plasticizer and at least oneammonium polymethacrylate copolymer. In certain embodiments, themultilayered tablet core is a bilayered tablet core.

In certain embodiments, the self-regulating, osmotic gastroretentivecompositions of the disclosure can remain in an expanded state in thestomach of a patient, and provide efficient delivery of drugs in the GItract for prolonged periods, due to the presence of at least onepolyethylene oxide, having an average molecular weight of greater thanor equal to 600,000, in the push layer, that swells via imbibition ofwater from gastric fluid to (1) increase the size of the dosage form topromote gastric retention, (2) osmotically control the release of drugby providing a constant pressure on the pull layer comprising the drugdispersion/solution, (3) support the membrane and maintain the integrityof the tablet in a swollen state for prolonged periods, and (4) entrapgenerated gas (e.g., CO₂) to provide buoyancy. In certain embodiments,the oral, osmotic, floating gastroretentive compositions of thedisclosure are stable, and provide desired controlled delivery of drugin the GI tract due to the presence of at least one polyethylene oxide,having an average molecular weight of about 200,000, and optionally, asmall amount of polyethylene oxide, having an average molecular weightof greater than or equal to 600,000, in the pull layer. In certainembodiments, the tablet core swells to support the membrane, and boththe tablet core and the membrane maintain the integrity of the dosageform. In certain embodiments, the tablet core swells and entraps CO₂ toprovide buoyancy to the dosage form. In certain embodiments, theswelling of the tablet core is due to the swelling of the pull layer andthe push layer.

For the purpose of illustration and not limitation, FIG. 1 provides aschematic representation of the gastroretentive dosage form, accordingto certain embodiments, illustrating a bilayer tablet core, comprising aPush layer and a Pull layer, Seal coat-1 surrounding the tablet core, aPermeable elastic membrane surrounding Seal coat-1, Seal coat-2surrounding the permeable elastic membrane, a cosmetic coat surroundingSeal coat-2, and an Orifice passing through Seal coat-1, the Permeablemembrane, and Seal coat-2, wherein the Orifice is in fluid communicationwith the Pull layer.

6.2.1. Swellable Multilayered Tablet Core

In certain embodiments, the swellable multilayered tablet core comprisesa push layer and a pull layer. In certain embodiments, the pull layerand the push layer are compressed horizontally into a bilayer tabletcore. In certain embodiments, the multilayered tablet core can comprisea push layer between two pull layers. In certain embodiments, the ratioof the pull layer and the push layer in the tablet core is between about1:1 to about 6:1. In certain embodiments, the ratio of the pull layerand the push layer in the tablet core is about 1:1, about 2:1, about3:1, about 4:1, about 5:1, about 6:1, or any intermediate ratiostherein.

6.2.1.1. Pull Layer

In certain embodiments, the pull layer includes an active pharmaceuticalagent, a swellable water-soluble hydrophilic polymer, an acid, and agas-generating agent. In certain embodiments, the swellablewater-soluble hydrophilic polymer is a low viscosity hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, carbomer, or polyethyleneoxide, e.g., POLYOX®. In certain embodiments, the pull layer includes apolyethylene oxide having an average molecular weight of less than orequal to 1,000,000. In certain embodiments, the polyethylene oxide hasan average molecular weight of about 100,000, about 200,000, about300,000, about 400,000, about 500,000, about 600,000, about 700,000,about 800,000, about 900,000, about 1,000,000, or intermediate valuestherein. In certain embodiments, the pull layer further includes abinder, a disintegrant, and a stabilizer to prevent degradation of thepolyethylene oxide. In certain embodiments, the presence of disintegrantis optional. In certain embodiments, the pull layer includes a weaklybasic drug(s). In certain embodiments, the pull layer includes a drugwith any level of solubility, e.g., highly soluble, moderately, andsparingly soluble drug(s). In certain embodiments, the solubility ofmoderately or sparingly soluble drugs is improved via hot-meltextrusion, milling, nanomilling, or spray drying. In certainembodiments, the pull layer can include drugs with any polymorphic form,e.g., crystalline or amorphous form. In certain embodiments, the pulllayer includes intermediate drug granules that contain drug; andextragranular excipients, compressed into a pull layer blend. In certainembodiments, intermediate drug granules are made via dry granulation orwet granulation. In certain embodiments, the drug is blended withexcipients via hot-melt extrusion or spray drying to obtain a push layerblend. In certain embodiments, the intermediate drug granules comprisean active agent, a hydrophilic polymer, an acid, a binder, a stabilizer,and (optionally) a disintegrant. In certain embodiments, theextragranular components comprise at least one gas-generating agent(s).In certain embodiments, the gas-generating agent(s) is present inintermediate drug granules and/or an extragranular portion. In certainembodiments, the extragranular excipients can further include a filler,a glidant, and/or a lubricant. In certain embodiments, the acid presentin the pull layer blend accelerates generation of CO₂ fromgas-generating agents and/or stabilizes the drug. In certainembodiments, the acid is present in intermediate drug granules and/or anextragranular portion of the pull layer blend.

In certain embodiments, the polyethylene oxide present in the pull layeris a suspending agent and a release-controlling agent. In certainembodiments, the polyethylene oxide also acts as a binder. In certainembodiments, the average molecular weight of the polyethylene oxide(e.g., POLYOX™) in the pull layer affects drug release from the dosageform, e.g., an increase in the average molecular weight of thepolyethylene oxide increases the viscosity of the pull layer and thecontrol on drug release. In certain embodiments, the viscosity of thepull layer can be tailored to provide a desired drug release profile. Incertain embodiments, the viscosity of the pull layer can be modified bymixing a small amount of polyethylene oxide with an average molecularweight of greater than or equal to 600,000 with at least onepolyethylene oxide with an average molecular weight of less than orequal to 1,000,000, wherein the two polymers do not have the sameaverage molecular weight. In certain embodiments, the pull layerincludes a polyethylene oxide with an average molecular weight of about100,000, about 200,000, about 300,000, about 600,000, or a mixturethereof, and a polyethylene oxide with an average molecular weight ofabout 2,000,000, about 4,000,000, about 5,000,000, or about 7,000,000.In certain embodiments, the pull layer includes a polyethylene oxidewith an average molecular weight of about 200,000 and a polyethyleneoxide with an average molecular weight of about 2,000,000, about4,000,000, about 5,000,000, or about 7,000,000. In certain embodiments,the pull layer includes a polyethylene oxide with an average molecularweight of greater than or equal to 600,000 and a polyethylene oxide withan average molecular weight of less than or equal to 1,000,000 in aratio of between about 1:99 and about 10:90. In certain embodiments, thetotal amount of polyethylene oxide in the pull layer ranges from about 5wt % to about 80 wt %, from about 10 wt % to about 75 wt %, from about15% to about 70 wt %, from about 20 wt % to about 65 wt % from about 25wt % to about 60 wt % from about 30 wt % to about 55 wt % from about 35wt % to about 50 wt %, about 30 wt %, about 25 wt %, about 20 wt %,about 15 wt %, about 10 wt %, about 5 wt %, or any intermediate valuestherein, of the pull layer blend.

In certain embodiments, the pull layer includes a binder(s) selectedfrom the group consisting of, but not limited to, povidone K 90,hypromellose, starch, acacia, gellan gum, low viscosity hydroxypropylcellulose, methylcellulose, sodium methylcellulose, polyvinyl alcohol,polyvinyl acetates (e.g., KOLLICOAT® SR), polyethylene oxide (e.g.,POLYOX™) polyethylene glycol, alginates, pegylated polyvinyl alcohol,and any combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the binder ishydroxypropyl cellulose.

In certain embodiments, binders are present in an amount of about 0.5 wt% to about 20 wt % of the pull layer. In certain embodiments, thebinders are present in an amount of about 0.5 wt %, about 0.6 wt %,about 0.7 wt %, about 0.8 wt %, about 0.9 wt %, about 1 wt %, about 2 wt%, about 3 wt %, about 4 wt %, about 5 wt %, about 6 wt %, about 7 wt %,about 8 wt %, about 9 wt %, about 10 wt %, about 11 wt %, about 12 wt %,about 13 wt %, about 14 wt %, about 15 wt %, about 16 wt %, about 17 wt%, about 18 wt %, about 19 wt %, about 20 wt %, or any intermediatesvalues therein, of the pull layer.

In certain embodiments, the pull layer includes at least one stabilizerto prevent degradation of polyethylene oxide. In certain embodiments,the stabilizer is an antioxidant selected from the group consisting of,but not limited to, ascorbic acid and its salts, tocopherols, sulfitesalts such as sodium metabisulfite or sodium sulfite, sodium sulfide,butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), ascorbylpalmitate, propyl gallate, and any combination thereof. In certainembodiments, the antioxidant is BHT. In certain embodiments, thestabilizer is present in an amount of from about 0.01 wt % to about 20wt % of the pull layer. In certain embodiments, the stabilizer ispresent in an amount of about 0.01 wt %, about 0.02 wt %, about 0.03 wt%, about 0.04 wt %, about 0.05 wt %, about 0.06 wt %, about 0.07 wt %,about 0.08 wt %, about 0.09 wt %, about 0.10 wt %, about 0.2 wt %, about0.3 wt %, about 0.4 wt %, about 0.5 wt %, about 1 wt %, about 5 wt %,about 10 wt %, about 15 wt %, about 20 wt %, or any intermediate valuestherein, of the pull layer.

In certain embodiments, the pull layer includes at least one acid thataccelerates generation of CO₂ from gas-generating agents. In certainembodiments, faster generation of CO₂ reduces floating lag time. Incertain embodiments, the self-regulating osmotic gastroretentive dosageforms containing swellable polymers and a gas-generating agent(s) canrapidly float on gastric fluids because the gas generated and entrappedwithin the swellable polymers decreases the density of the system. Incertain embodiments, the acid is selected from the group consisting ofsuccinic acid, citric acid, acetic acid, malic acid, fumaric acid,stearic acid, tartaric acid, boric acid, benzoic acid, and combinationsthereof. In certain embodiments, the acid is succinic acid or tartaricacid. In certain embodiments, generation of CO₂ from the gas-generatingagents depends upon the particle size of the acid, e.g., a smallerparticle size provides faster generation of CO₂. In certain embodiments,the presence of acid stabilizes the active agent. In certainembodiments, the acid is present in an amount of from about 5 wt % toabout 50 wt % of pull layer. In certain embodiments, the acid is presentin an amount of about 5 wt %, about 10 wt %, about 15 wt %, about 20 wt%, about 25 wt %, about 30 wt %, about 35 wt %, about 40 wt %, about 45wt %, about 50 wt %, or any intermediate values therein, of pull layer.

In certain embodiments, the pull layer includes a gas-generatingagent(s) for rapid expansion and flotation of the dosage form. Thegas-generating agent(s) generates CO₂ with the imbibition of gastricfluid in the dosage form. In certain embodiments, the presence of acidin the pull layer accelerates generation of CO₂ with the imbibition ofgastric fluid in the dosage form. In certain embodiments, agas-generating agent(s) generates CO₂ independent of the fed or fastedstate of an individual. Examples of gas-generating agents present in thepull layer include, but are not limited to, all organic and inorganiccarbonates, e.g., carbonate and bicarbonate salts of alkali and alkalineearth metals, that can interact with acid for in situ gas generation. Incertain embodiments, the gas-generating agent is sodium bicarbonate,sodium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, and/or calcium carbonate. Incertain embodiments, a mixture of calcium carbonate and sodiumbicarbonate provides desired sustained release of CO₂. In certainembodiments, the gas-generating agent(s) is present in an amount of fromat least about 5 wt % to about 50 wt % of pull layer. In certainembodiments, the gas-generating agent is present in an amount of about 5wt %, about 10 wt %, about 15 wt %, about 20 wt %, about 25 wt %, about30 wt %, about 35 wt %, about 40 wt %, about 45 wt %, about 50 wt %, orany intermediate values therein, of pull layer.

In certain embodiments, the pull layer comprises a mixture of sodiumbicarbonate and calcium carbonate as the gas-generating agent(s) and anacid, e.g., succinic acid. In certain embodiments, equinormal amounts ofacid and gas-generating agent(s) are present in the pull layer.

In certain embodiments, the pull layer can comprise a superdisintegrantincluding carmellose calcium, carboxymethyl starch sodium,croscarmellose sodium, crospovidone (crosslinked homopolymer ofN-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone), low-substituted hydroxypropyl celluloses, sodiumstarch glycolate, colloidal silicon dioxide, alginic acid and alginates,acrylic acid derivatives, and various starches, or any combinationsthereof.

In certain embodiments, the pull layer includes at least one lubricantselected from the group comprising magnesium stearate, glycerylmonostearates, palmitic acid, talc, carnauba wax, calcium stearatesodium, sodium or magnesium lauryl sulfate, calcium soaps, zincstearate, polyoxyethylene monostearates, calcium silicate, silicondioxide, hydrogenated vegetable oils and fats, stearic acid, and anycombinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the lubricant is magnesiumstearate. In certain embodiments, the lubricant is present in an amountof from about 0.5 wt % to about 5 wt % of the pull layer. In certainembodiments, the lubricant is present in an amount of about 0.5 wt %,about 0.6 wt %, about 0.7 wt %, about 0.8 wt %, about 0.9 wt %, about 1wt %, about 1.1 wt %, about 1.2 wt %, about 1.3 wt %, about 1.4 wt %,about 1.5 wt %, about 1.6 wt %, about 1.7 wt %, about 1.8 wt %, about1.9 wt %, about 2 wt %, about 2.5 wt %, about 3 wt %, about 3.5 wt %,about 4 wt %, about 4.5 wt %, about 5 wt %, or any intermediate valuestherein, of the pull layer.

In certain embodiments, the pull layer includes at least one glidantselected from the group comprising talc, colloidal silicon dioxide,magnesium trisilicate, powdered cellulose, starch, tribasic calciumphosphate, and any combination thereof. In certain embodiments, theglidant is colloidal silicon dioxide. In certain embodiments, theglidant is present in an amount of from about 0.1 wt % to about 5 wt %of the pull layer. In certain embodiments, the glidant is present in anamount of about 0.1 wt %, about 0.2 wt %, about 0.3 wt %, about 0.4 wt%, about 0.5 wt %, about 0.6 wt %, about 0.7 wt %, about 0.8 wt %, about0.9 wt %, about 1 wt %, about 1.5 wt %, about 2 wt %, about 2.5 wt %,about 3 wt %, about 3.5 wt %, about 4 wt %, about 4.5 wt %, about 5 wt%, or any intermediate valued therein, of the pull layer.

In certain embodiments, the pull layer further comprises mannitol. Incertain embodiments, mannitol is used as a filler and/or as acompression aid. In certain embodiments, mannitol is used as a secondaryosmotic agent. In certain embodiments, mannitol is present in an amountof from about 1 wt % to about 20 wt % of the pull layer.

In certain embodiments, the pull layer can include a placebo layer, andan active layer containing at least one active pharmaceutical agent. Incertain embodiments, the placebo layer includes at least onepolyethylene oxide having an average molecular weight of less than orequal to 1,000,000. In certain embodiments, the pull layer includesmultiple active layers containing same drug to provide drug release withincreasing drug concentration. In certain embodiments, the multipleactive layers contain different drugs.

6.2.1.2. Push Layer

In certain embodiments, the push layer includes a swellablewater-soluble hydrophilic polymer, an osmogen, a lubricant, and a colorpigment. In certain embodiments, the swellable water-soluble hydrophilicpolymer is polyethylene oxide, e.g., POLYOX™. In certain embodiments,polyethylene oxide in the push layer has an average molecular weight ofgreater than or equal to 600,000. In certain embodiments, averagemolecular weight of the polyethylene oxide in the push layer is about600,000, about 700,000, about 800,000, about 900,000, about 1,000,000,about 2,000,000, about 3,000,000, about 4,000,000, about 5,000,000,about 6,000,000, about 7,000,000, or any intermediate values thereof. Incertain embodiments, the amount of polyethylene oxide in the push layeris sufficient to provide complete drug recovery (i.e., the pull layer istotally expelled); the remaining dosage form, with push layer only,breaks apart, or collapses/shrinks for complete emptying of thecomposition from the GI tract and the patient. In certain embodiments,polyethylene oxide is present in an amount of amount 50 wt % to about 95wt % of the push layer. In certain embodiments, the polyethylene oxideis present in an amount of about 50 wt %, about 55 wt %, about 60 wt %,about 65 wt %, about 70 wt %, about 75 wt %, about 80 wt %, about 85 wt%, about 90 wt %, about 95 wt %, or any intermediate values therein, ofthe push layer. In certain embodiments, the polyethylene oxide ispresent in an amount of amount 10 wt % to about 30 wt % of the coatedtablet composition. In certain embodiments, the polyethylene oxide ispresent in an amount of about 11 wt %, about 12 wt %, about 13 wt %,about 14 wt %, about 15 wt %, about 16 wt %, about 17 wt %, about 18 wt%, about 19 wt %, about 20 wt %, about 25 w %, about 30 wt %, or anyintermediate values therein, of the coated tablet composition.

In certain embodiments, the amount and the average molecular weight ofthe polyethylene oxide in the push layer affects the drug releaseprofile. In certain embodiments, the average molecular weight of thepolyethylene oxide in the push layer is selected to provide enoughexpansion of the push layer for complete drug recovery in a desired timeperiod. In certain embodiments, the average molecular weight ofpolyethylene oxide in the push layer provides complete drug recovery,while keeping the dosage form intact.

In certain embodiments, the push layer includes a lubricant selectedfrom the group comprising magnesium stearate, glyceryl monostearates,palmitic acid, talc, carnauba wax, calcium stearate sodium, sodium ormagnesium lauryl sulfate, calcium soaps, zinc stearate, polyoxyethylenemonostearates, calcium silicate, silicon dioxide, hydrogenated vegetableoils and fats, stearic acid, and any combinations thereof. In certainembodiments, the lubricant is magnesium stearate. In certainembodiments, the lubricant is present in an amount of from about 0.5 wt% to about 2 wt % of the push layer. In certain embodiments, thelubricant is present in an amount of about 0.5 wt %, about 0.6 wt %,about 0.7 wt %, about 0.8 wt %, about 0.9 wt %, about 1 wt %, about 1.1wt %, about 1.2 wt %, about 1.3 wt %, about 1.4 wt %, about 1.5 wt %,about 1.6 wt %, about 1.7 wt %, about 1.8 wt %, about 1.9 wt %, about 2wt %, or any intermediate values therein, of the push layer.

In certain embodiments, the push layer comprises at least one osmogen.In certain embodiments, the osmogen includes ionic compounds ofinorganic salts that provide a concentration differential for osmoticflow of liquid into the composition. The rate at which the water-solublepolymer in the push layer absorbs water depends on the osmotic pressuregenerated by the push layer and the permeability of the membranecoating. As the water-soluble polymer in the push layer absorbs water,it expands in volume, which pushes the drug solution or suspensionpresent in the pull layer out of the tablet core through an orifice inthe membrane. In certain embodiments, the presence of the orifice in themembrane prevents membrane tearing and keeps the dosage form intact. Incertain embodiments, the orifice releases excess pressure built upduring swelling of the dosage form, e.g., the push layer, and allows themembrane to remain intact under the hydrodynamic conditions of the GItract. In certain embodiments, the presence of orifice in the membraneallows the composition to provide extended release of drug for about 6hours to about 24 hours, without losing gastroretentive attributes ofthe system (GRS attributes), and break apart, or collapse for emptyingfrom the GI tract and the patient. In certain embodiments, the osmogenis an ionic compound selected from the group consisting of sodiumchloride, potassium chloride, potassium sulfate, lithium sulfate, sodiumsulfate, lactose and sucrose combination, lactose and dextrosecombination, sucrose, dextrose, mannitol, dibasic sodium phosphate, andcombinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the osmogen is sodiumchloride. In certain embodiments, the osmogen is present in an amount offrom about 5 wt % to about 30 wt % of the push layer. In certainembodiments, the osmogen is present in an amount of about 5 wt %, about6 wt %, about 7 wt %, about 8 wt %, about 9 wt %, about 10 wt %, about15 wt %, about 20 wt %, about 25 wt %, about 30 wt %, or anyintermediate values therein, of the push layer.

In certain embodiments, the push layer includes at least one pigment foridentifying the push layer in the multilayered tablet core. In certainembodiments, the pigment in the push layer is useful for identifying thepush-layer side while drilling an orifice on the drug-layer side(pull-layer side) of the coated multilayered tablets. In certainembodiments, the push layer includes at least one pigment comprisingiron oxide or lake-based colors. In certain embodiments, the pigment isa lake-based color. In certain embodiments, the pigment is an iron oxidepigment, e.g., oxide pigment black or Red blend. In certain embodiments,the pigment is present in an amount of from about 0.5 wt % to about 2 wt% of the push layer.

6.2.2. Membrane/Functional Coat

The compositions of the disclosure comprise a membrane that is awater-insoluble, permeable or semipermeable elastic membrane surroundingthe multilayer tablet core. The membrane allows the flow of gastricfluid into the composition and initiates gas generation fromgas-generating agents, and the membrane flexibility allows for rapidexpansion and flotation of the composition. In certain embodiments, themembrane comprises a plasticizer and at least one copolymer of ethylacrylate, methyl methacrylate, and trimethylammonioethyl methacrylatechloride (ammonium polymethacrylate copolymer).

The ammonium polymethacrylate copolymer provides permeability to themembrane and the plasticizer provides elasticity and mechanical strengthto the membrane. The plasticizers provide elasticity to the membrane,ensuring that the membrane does not rupture upon expanding and that theosmotic gastroretentive drug delivery system provides the desiredcharacteristics for drug release, hydrodynamic balance, and mechanicalstrength to withstand variations in pH and shear in the stomach duringfed and fasted conditions. In certain embodiments, as dissolution of thedrug in the tablet core proceeds, the plasticizer leaches out of themembrane. In certain embodiments, leaching of the plasticizer makes themembrane brittle, such that the membrane does not remain intact and thedosage form breaks into pieces by the end of drug release. Hydrophilicplasticizers suitable for the disclosure include, but are not limitedto, glycerin, polyethylene glycols, polyethylene glycol monomethylether, propylene glycol, and sorbitol sorbitan solution. Hydrophobicplasticizers suitable for the disclosure include, but are not limitedto, acetyl tributyl citrate, acetyl triethyl citrate, castor oil,diacetylated monoglycerides, dibutyl sebacate, diethyl phthalate,triacetin, tributyl citrate, triethyl citrate, gelucire 39/01, andgelucire 43/01. In certain embodiments, the plasticizers include variouspolyethylene glycols, glycerin, and/or triethyl citrate. In a preferredembodiment of the disclosure, the plasticizer is triethyl citrate.

In certain embodiments of the disclosure, the permeable elastic membranecomprises two (or more) polymers: at least one of EUDRAGIT® RL 30D(copolymer dispersion of ethyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, andtrimethylammonioethyl methacrylate chloride, 1:2:0.2), EUDRAGIT® RS 30D(copolymer dispersion of ethyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, andtrimethylammonioethyl methacrylate chloride, 1:2:0.1), EUDRAGIT® RL PO(copolymer solution of ethyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, andtrimethylammonioethyl methacrylate chloride, 1:2:0.2 in powder form),and EUDRAGIT® RS PO (copolymer solution of ethyl acrylate, methylmethacrylate, and trimethylammonioethyl methacrylate chloride, 1:2:0.1in powder form) to improve permeability, and at least one of KOLLICOAT®SR 30D (dispersion of polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl pyrolidone, and asodium lauryl sulfate), EUDRAGIT® NE 30D (copolymer dispersion of ethylacrylate and methyl methacrylate), and EUDRAGIT® NM 30D (copolymerdispersion of ethyl acrylate and methyl methacrylate), to improvemechanical strength (tensile strength). The membrane can further includea hydrophilic polymer and/or a water-soluble nonionic polymer thatact(s) as a pore former, to modify its elasticity, permeability, andtensile strength.

In certain embodiments, the permeable elastic membrane provides desiredcharacteristics for drug release and tensile strength to withstandperistalsis and mechanical contractility of the stomach (shear). Thecombination of (1) a water-soluble hydrophilic polymer in the tabletcore, and (2) the unique permeable elastic membrane formed over thetablet core by the coating of a homogeneous dispersion of (a) at leastone of EUDRAGIT® RL 30D, EUDRAGIT® RS 30D, EUDRAGIT® RL PO, andEUDRAGIT® RS PO (collectively “ammonium polymethacrylate copolymers”) toimprove permeability, and (b) at least one of KOLLICOAT® SR 30D,EUDRAGIT® NE 30D, and EUDRAGIT® NM 30D (collectively “neutralpolymethacrylate copolymer dispersions”) to improve mechanical strength(tensile strength), provides the desired extended drug release whilemaintaining the integrity of the tablet core in an expanded state, thusextending the gastric residence time and preventing the dosage form frombeing emptied from the stomach until substantial or complete release ofthe drug, usually after a prolonged period. In certain embodiments, atleast one of EUDRAGIT® RL 30D/EUDRAGIT® RS 30D/EUDRAGIT® RL PO/EUDRAGIT®RS PO is present in a ratio with at least one of KOLLICOAT® SR30D/EUDRAGIT® NE 30D/EUDRAGIT® NM 30D (i.e., RL/RS:SR/NE/NM) of between0:100 and 100:0. In certain embodiments, at least one of EUDRAGIT® RL30D/EUDRAGIT® RS 30D/EUDRAGIT® RL PO/EUDRAGIT® RS PO and at least one ofKOLLICOAT® SR 30D/EUDRAGIT® NE 30D/EUDRAGIT® NM 30D are present in aratio of between about 0.5:99.5 to about 99.5:0.5, including, but notlimited to: 1:99, 2:98, 3:97, 4:96, 5:95, 6:94, 7:93, 8:92, 9:91, 10:90,11:89, 12:88, 13:87, 14:86, 15:85, 16:84, 17:83, 18:82, 19:81, 20:80,21:79, 22:78, 23:77, 24:76, 25:75, 26:74, 27:73, 28:72, 29:71, 30:70,31:69, 32:68, 33:67, 34:66, 35:65, 36:64, 37:63, 38:62, 39:61, 40:60,41:59, 42:58, 43:57, 44:56, 45:55, 46:54, 47:53, 48:52, 49:51, 50:50,51:49, 52:48, 53:47, 54:46, 55:45, 56:44, 57:43, 58:42, 59:41, 60:40,61:39, 62:38, 63:37, 64:36, 65:35, 66:34, 67:33, 68:32, 69:31, 70:30,71:29, 72:28, 73:27, 74:26, 75:25, 76:24, 77:23, 78:22, 79:21, 80:20,81:19, 82:18, 83:17, 84:16, 85:15, 86:14, 87:13, 88:12, 89:11, 90:10,91:9, 92:8, 93:7, 94:6, 95:5, 96:4, 97:3, 98:2, 99:1, or anyintermediate values thereof.

In certain embodiments, the permeable elastic membrane comprises atleast one of EUDRAGIT® RL PO and/or EUDRAGIT® RS PO (i.e., a powdercopolymer of ethyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, andtrimethylammonioethyl methacrylate chloride). In certain embodiments,the permeable elastic membrane is formed over the multilayer tablet coreby coating the core with a solution of EUDRAGIT® RL PO (powder copolymerof ethyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, and trimethylammonioethylmethacrylate chloride (1:2:0.2)) and/or EUDRAGIT® RS PO (copolymer ofethyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, and trimethylammonioethylmethacrylate chloride (1:2:0.1)), a plasticizer, and talc.

In certain embodiments, the membrane includes a water-insoluble polymer,a plasticizer, and at least one pore former comprising a water-solublenonionic polymer. In certain embodiments, the pore formers andplasticizers modify membrane elasticity, permeability, and tensilestrength. In certain embodiments, the membrane does not include any poreformer. In certain embodiments, examples of insoluble permeablecomponents of the permeable elastic membrane include, but are notlimited to, copolymers of ethyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, andtrimethylammonioethyl methacrylate chlorides (e.g., EUDRAGIT® RL 30D orEUDRAGIT® RS 30D, EUDRAGIT® RS PO, EUDRAGIT® RL PO)); cellulose acetatephthalate; ethyl cellulose; and hypromellose acetate succinate.

In certain embodiments, examples of insoluble components of thepermeable elastic membrane that provide elasticity to the membraneinclude, but are not limited to, copolymers of ethyl acrylate and methylmethacrylate (e.g., EUDRAGIT® NE 30D, EUDRAGIT® NM 30D), a dispersion ofpolyvinyl pyrolidone and polyvinyl acetate (e.g., KOLLICOAT® SR 30D),thermoplastic polyurethanes, ethylene-vinyl acetate, andpolydimethylsiloxane.

In certain embodiments, the permeable elastic membrane is a coating of ahomogeneous dispersion of EUDRAGIT® RL 30D/EUDRAGIT® RS 30D andEUDRAGIT® NE 30D/EUDRAGIT® NM 30D. In certain embodiments, the coatingdispersion does not include any neutral polymethacrylate copolymer. Incertain embodiments, the permeable elastic membrane is a coating of ahomogeneous dispersion of EUDRAGIT® RL 30D/EUDRAGIT® RS 30D andKOLLICOAT® SR 30D. In certain embodiments, the strength of the membranedepends upon compatibility/homogeneity of the water-insoluble polymerspresent in the coating dispersion. In certain embodiments, compatibilityof the water-insoluble polymers present in the coating dispersion isimproved in the presence of a surfactant. In certain embodiments, thecompatibility of water-insoluble polymers present in the coatingdispersion is improved by forming the dispersion at a pH of betweenabout 2 and about 7. In certain embodiments, the homogeneous dispersionis formed by mixing EUDRAGIT® RL 30D/EUDRAGIT® RS 30D and EUDRAGIT® NE30D/EUDRAGIT® NM 30D, or EUDRAGIT® RL 30D/EUDRAGIT® RS 30D andKOLLICOAT® SR 30D, in presence of a surfactant and a water-solublepolymer, e.g., polyvinyl pyrrolidone. In certain embodiments, thehomogeneous dispersion is formed by mixing EUDRAGIT® RL 30D/EUDRAGIT® RS30D, EUDRAGIT NE 30D/EUDRAGIT® NM 30D, and polyvinyl pyrrolidone, orEUDRAGIT® RL 30D/EUDRAGIT® RS 30D, KOLLICOAT® SR 30D, and polyvinylpyrrolidone, in a pH-controlled environment, e.g., at a pH of betweenabout 2 and about 7. In certain embodiments, the homogeneous dispersionis formed by mixing EUDRAGIT® RL 30D/EUDRAGIT® RS 30D and EUDRAGIT NE30D/EUDRAGIT® NM 30D, or EUDRAGIT® RL 30D/EUDRAGIT® RS 30D andKOLLICOAT® SR 30D, in the absence of a surfactant or a water-solublepolymer, or in the absence of both.

In certain embodiments, the permeable elastic membrane is a coating of asolution of EUDRAGIT® RL PO and/or EUDRAGIT® RS PO. In certainembodiments, the tablet core is coated with a solution of EUDRAGIT® RLPO and/or EUDRAGIT® RS PO in a suitable solvent. In certain embodiments,the solvent used for coating comprises acetone, water, ethanol,isopropyl alcohol, or a mixture thereof. In certain embodiments, thesolvent is a mixture of acetone and water, a mixture of ethanol andisopropyl alcohol, a mixture of acetone and isopropyl alcohol, a mixtureof isopropyl alcohol and water, or a mixture of water, ethanol, andisopropyl alcohol. In certain embodiments, the solvent is a mixture ofacetone and water. In certain embodiments, the ratio of solvent andwater ranges from about 80:20 to about 99:1. In certain embodiments, theratio of acetone and water is about 80:20, about 85:15, about 90:10, orabout 95:5.

In certain embodiments, the coating dispersion includes at least one ofEUDRAGIT® RL PO and EUDRAGIT® RS PO (collectively “ammoniumpolymethacrylate copolymers”) to improve permeability, and at least oneplasticizer to improve mechanical strength (tensile strength). Incertain embodiments, powder forms of EUDRAGIT®, e.g., EUDRAGIT® RL POand EUDRAGIT® RS PO, are preferred over EUDRAGIT® dispersions, e.g.,EUDRAGIT® RS 30D and EUDRAGIT® RL 30D. It was unexpectedly observed thata membrane comprising EUDRAGIT® RL PO and/or EUDRAGIT® RS PO and aplasticizer, provided superior membrane properties, e.g., membranestrength, permeability, and elasticity, in comparison to a membranecomprising a polymer to enhance permeability (e.g., EUDRAGIT® RL 30D,EUDRAGIT® RS 30D) and a polymer to enhance elasticity (e.g., EUDRAGIT NE30D, EUDRAGIT NM 30D, KOLLICOAT® SR 30D). In certain embodiments,permeability, elasticity, and tensile strength of the membranedetermines the floating lag time and floating time (duration offloating) of the osmotic gastroretentive delivery system of thedisclosure. In certain embodiments, the membrane permeability,elasticity, and tensile strength is determined by permeability andelasticity of the polymers present in the membrane. In certainembodiments, the compositions of the disclosure exhibit increase infloating time and decrease in floating lag time with increasing membranepermeability. In certain embodiments, permeability of copolymer of ethylacrylate, methyl methacrylate, and trimethylammonioethyl methacrylatechloride is enhanced on exchange of chloride anion with other anions. Incertain embodiments, the chloride anion is exchanged with nitrate ions,sulfate ions, succinate ions, or acetate ions. In certain embodiments,exchange of chloride anions with anions of higher hydrated anion radiusimproves membrane permeability.

In certain embodiments, permeability of the permeable elastic membraneis tailored to provide a floating lag time of less than or equal to 30minutes and floating time of from about 1 hour to about 24 hours (e.g.,about 1 hour to about 18 hours). In certain embodiments, the oral,osmotic, controlled release, floating gastroretentive dosage form of thedisclosure comprises a membrane containing a copolymer(s) of ethylacrylate, methyl methacrylate, and trimethylammonioethyl methacrylatechloride, e.g., EUDRAGIT® RL PO or EUDRAGIT® RS PO, and exhibits afloating lag time of less than or equal to 15 minutes and a floatingtime of from about 1 hour to about 18 hours. In certain embodiments, thecopolymer of ethyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, andtrimethylammonioethyl methacrylate chloride is present in an amount ofbetween about 70% and about 90% w/w of the combined weight of theplasticizer and the copolymer to provide desired tensile strength, andelasticity for rapid expansion of the membrane. In certain embodiments,the plasticizer is present in an amount of between about 10 wt % andabout 25 wt %, between about 10 wt % and about 20 wt %, between about 10wt % and about 15 wt %, and any intermediate ranges therein, of thecopolymer of ethyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, andtrimethylammonioethyl methacrylate chloride (ammonium polymethacrylatecopolymer) to provide desired tensile strength, and elasticity for rapidexpansion of the membrane. In certain embodiments, the plasticizer ispresent in an amount of at least about 10 wt %, at least about 11 wt %,at least about 12 wt %, at least about 13 wt %, at least about 14 wt %,at least about 15 wt %, at least about 16 wt %, at least about 17 wt %,at least about 18 wt %, at least about 19 wt %, at least about 20 wt %,at least about 21 wt %, at least about 22 wt %, at least about 23 wt %,at least about 24 wt %, and at least about 25 wt % of the ammoniumpolymethacrylate copolymer.

In certain embodiments, the membrane further includes an anti-tackingagent, selected from the group consisting of talc, colloidal silicondioxide, magnesium trisilicate, powdered cellulose, starch, and tribasiccalcium phosphate. In certain embodiments, the anti-tacking agent iscolloidal silicon dioxide. In certain embodiments, the anti-tacking ispresent in an amount of from about 5 wt % to about 30 wt % of theammonium polymethacrylate copolymer. In certain embodiments, the glidantis present in an amount of about 5 wt %, about 10 wt %, about 15 wt %,about 20 wt %, about 25 wt %, about 30 wt %, or any intermediate valuestherein, of the ammonium polymethacrylate copolymer.

In certain embodiments, the compositions of the disclosure comprise amembrane that is a water-insoluble, semipermeable elastic membranesurrounding the multilayer tablet core. In certain embodiments, thesemipermeable membrane is inert and maintains its integrity to provideconstant osmotic pressure during drug delivery. In certain embodiments,the semipermeable membrane comprises one or more pH-independentwater-insoluble polymers that are permeable to water and substantiallyimpermeable to solutes, e.g., drugs and excipients. Polymers suitablefor inclusion in the semipermeable membrane comprise, but are notlimited to, cellulose esters, e.g., cellulose acetate, cellulose acetatebutyrate, and cellulose triacetate. In certain embodiments, thesemipermeable membrane comprises cellulose acetate. In certainembodiments, the permeability of the semipermeable membrane can beenhanced by increasing the acetyl content in cellulose acetate.

In certain embodiments, the membrane includes an orifice in fluidcommunication with the pull layer. In certain embodiments, the drug isreleased through the orifice, at a desired release rate, based on theaverage molecular weight of the polyethylene oxide in the push and thepull layers. In certain embodiments, the swelling rate of polyethyleneoxide in the push layer depends upon the amount of osmogen, and theaverage molecular weight of polyethylene oxide present in the pushlayer. In certain embodiments, the size of the orifice in the membraneand average molecular weight of polyethylene oxide in the pull layercontrols the release of the drug from the dosage form. In certainembodiments, the multilayer tablet core comprises a push layer betweentwo pull layers, and a semipermeable membrane surrounds the core. Incertain embodiments, the semipermeable membrane includes two orifices,one each in fluid communication with each of the two pull layers. Incertain embodiments, the semipermeable membrane includes multipleorifices.

6.2.3. Immediate Release Drug Layer

In certain embodiments, the self-regulating, osmotic, floatinggastroretentive compositions of the disclosure provide a biphasic drugrelease comprising an immediate release and an extended release of sameor different drugs. In certain embodiments, the compositions of thedisclosure provide a biphasic drug release comprising an immediaterelease and an extended release of same drug to cover lag timeassociated with the extended release of the drug. In certainembodiments, the compositions providing a biphasic drug release containone or more immediate release drug layers over the permeable elasticmembrane containing an orifice. In certain embodiments, the immediaterelease drug layer comprises an active agent/drug for immediate release,a film-forming polymer and, optionally, other excipients known in theart. In certain embodiments, the immediate release drug layer is furthercoated with an additional layer, e.g., an over coat/cosmetic coatcomprising a powder or a film that prevents adherence of the dosage formto itself during manufacturing and storage. In certain embodiments, theimmediate release drug layer is present immediately below the cosmeticcoat. In certain embodiments, the active agent in the immediate releasedrug layer and the active agent in the core are different. In certainembodiments, a cosmetic coat surrounds the permeable or semipermeablemembrane or the immediate release drug layer. In certain embodiments,the immediate release drug layer is surrounded by a seal coat, acosmetic coat over the seal coat, and a final coat/clear coat over thecosmetic coat, wherein the final coat/clear coat is the outermost layer.In certain embodiments, the immediate release drug layer is surroundedby a seal coat, and a cosmetic coat, wherein the cosmetic coat is theoutermost layer.

Examples of soluble film-forming polymers that can be used in theimmediate release drug layer include, but are not limited to, solublecellulose derivatives, e.g., methyl cellulose; hydroxypropyl cellulose;hydroxyethyl cellulose; hypromellose; various grades of povidone;polyvinyl alcohol-polyethylene glycol copolymer, e.g., KOLLICOAT® IR;soluble gums; and others. The films can further comprise antioxidants,surface-active agents, plasticizers and humectants, such as PEGs,various grades of polysorbates, and sodium lauryl sulfate.

6.2.4. Seal Coat, Over Coat/Cosmetic Coat, and Final Coat/Clear Coat

In certain embodiments, the permeable or semipermeable elastic membraneis coated with a cosmetic coat comprising OPADRY® II, Pink (mixture oftitanium dioxide, talc, guar gum, partially hydrolyzed poly vinylalcohol, maltodextrin, HPMC, medium chain glyceride, iron oxide red, andiron oxide blue), OPADRY® II, green (mixture of titanium dioxide, talc,guar gum, partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol, maltodextrin, HPMC,medium chain glyceride, FD&C Blue/Brilliant Blue, Aluminum Lake, andFD&C Yellow/Tartrazine Aluminum Lake, Aluminum Lake), or OPADRY® II,Blue (mixture of titanium dioxide, talc, guar gum, partially hydrolyzedpoly vinyl alcohol, maltodextrin, HPMC, medium chain glyceride, FD&CBlue/Indigo Carmine Aluminum Lake blue). In certain embodiments,cosmetic coat helps in easy swallowing of the tablets, especially inpediatric and geriatric populations. In certain embodiments, thecosmetic coat makes the tablet slippery when in contact with saliva. Incertain embodiments, the cosmetic coat makes the tablet look smallerthan its actual size.

In certain embodiments, the cosmetic coat is surrounded by a clear coat.One skilled in the art can readily appreciate that clear coats are knownin the art and commercially available. Accordingly, any commerciallyavailable clear coat can be used in the presently disclosed embodiments.One nonlimiting example of a clear coat is OPADRY® EZ clear (mixture oftalc, guar gum, maltodextrin, HPMC, and medium chain glyceride).

In certain embodiments, the composition comprises a seal coat (SealCoat-1) between the multilayered tablet core and the permeable orsemipermeable elastic membrane. In certain embodiments, the compositionincludes a seal coat (Seal Coat-2) between the permeable orsemipermeable elastic membrane and the cosmetic coat. In certainembodiments, the compositions include a cosmetic coat over the permeableelastic membrane. In certain embodiments, the composition includes amultilayer tablet core coated with a seal coat (Seal Coat-1), apermeable elastic membrane over Seal Coat-1, an additional seal coat(Seal Coat-2) over the permeable elastic membrane, and a cosmetic coatover Seal Coat-2. In certain embodiments, the compositions with an IRdrug layer comprise an IR drug layer over Seal Coat-2, Seal Coat-3 overthe IR drug layer, and a cosmetic coat over Seal Coat-3.

In certain embodiments, the seal coat(s) comprises a pH-independent,water-soluble polymer containing a hypromellose-based polymer or apolyvinyl acetate-based polymer. In certain embodiments, thehypromellose-based polymer(s) comprises hydroxypropyl methylcellulose(HPMC), hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), orcombinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the seal coat(s) comprisespovidone. In certain embodiments, the seal coat (Seal Coat-1, SealCoat-2, and/or Seal Coat-3) comprises a mixture of guar gum,maltodextrin, HPMC, and medium chain triglycerides (OPADRY® II, clear).In certain embodiments, Seal Coats are present in an amount of fromabout 0.1 wt % to about 5 wt % of the uncoated core, membrane-coatedcore, or core with drug layer. In certain embodiments, Seal Coat-1 ispresent in an amount of about 0.1 wt %, about 0.2 wt %, about 0.3 wt %,about 0.4 wt %, about 0.5 wt %, about 0.6 wt %, about 0.7 wt %, about0.8 wt %, about 0.9 wt %, about 1 wt %, about 1.5 wt %, about 2 wt %,about 2.5 wt %, about 3 wt %, about 3.5 wt %, about 4 wt %, about 4.5 wt%, about 5 wt %, or any intermediate values therein, of the uncoatedcore, membrane-coated core, or core with drug layer.

In certain embodiments, the composition includes a multilayer tabletcore coated with Seal Coat-1, a semipermeable elastic membrane over SealCoat-1, Seal Coat-2 over the semipermeable elastic membrane, and acosmetic coat over Seal Coat-2. In certain embodiments, the compositionswith IR layer comprise an IR drug layer over Seal Coat-2, Seal Coat-3over the IR drug layer, and a cosmetic coat over Seal Coat-3.

6.2.5. Gastroretentive Dosage Compositions

In certain embodiments, the gastroretentive dosage forms of thedisclosure comprise a multilayered core coated with a permeable membranecontaining an orifice. In certain embodiments, the multilayered corecomprises a pull layer and a push layer. In certain embodiments, thepull layer can comprise from about 100 mg, to about 400 mg, from about150 mg to about 350 mg, from about 200 mg to about 350 mg, from about240 mg to about 320 mg, about 200 mg, about 240 mg, about 315 mg, orabout 320 mg of levodopa. In certain embodiments, the pull layer canfurther comprise from about 50 mg to about 100 mg, from about 55 mg toabout 95 mg, from about 60 mg to about 90 mg, from about 75 mg to about85 mg, from about 70 mg to about 80 mg, about 55 mg, about 65 mg, andabout 85 mg of carbidopa. In certain embodiments, the pull layer canfurther comprise from about 140 mg to about 200 mg, from about 145 mg toabout 195 mg, from about 150 mg to about 190 mg, from about 155 mg toabout 185 mg, from about 160 mg to about 180 mg, about 141 mg, about 148mg, about 190 mg, about 193 mg, about 200 mg of POLYOX™ N80. In certainembodiments, the pull layer can further comprise from about 1 mg toabout 10 mg, or about 5 mg of POLYOX™ N303. In certain embodiments, thepull layer can further comprise from about 5 mg to about 10 mg, or about8 mg of hydroxypropyl cellulose. In certain embodiments, the pull layercan further comprise from about 50 mg to about 125 mg, from about 60 mgto about 100 mg, about 50 mg, about 75 mg, about 100 mg, or about 125 mgof succinic acid. In certain embodiments, the pull layer can furthercomprise from about 25 mg to about 125 mg, about 50 mg, or about 100 mgof sodium bicarbonate. In certain embodiments, the pull layer canfurther comprise from about 20 mg to about 80 mg, about 25 mg, or about75 mg of calcium carbonate. In certain embodiments, the pull layer canfurther comprise from about 0.1 mg to about 1 mg, or about 0.5 mg ofα-tocopherol. In certain embodiments, the pull layer can furthercomprise from about 1 mg to about 5 mg, or about 3.5 mg of Cab-O-Sil®.In certain embodiments, the pull layer can further comprise from about40 mg to about 55 mg, about 44 mg, or about 52 mg of mannitol. Incertain embodiments, the pull layer can further comprise from about 1 mgto about 5 mg, or about 3 mg of magnesium stearate. In certainembodiments, the push layer can comprise from about 200 mg to about 250mg, about 220 mg, or about 218 mg of POLYOX™ N60. In certainembodiments, the push layer can further comprise from about 20 mg toabout 30 mg, or about 25 mg of sodium chloride. In certain embodiments,the push layer can further comprise from about 1 mg to about 5 mg, orabout 3 mg of magnesium stearate. In certain embodiments, the push layercan further comprise from about 1 mg to about 5 mg, about 2 mg, or about4 mg of color pigment. In certain embodiments, the coating system cancomprise from about 30 mg to about 50 mg, about 35 mg, or about 40 mg ofa hydroxypropyl cellulose based polymer (OPADRY® EZ clear). In certainembodiments, the coating system can further comprise from about 100 mgto about 200 mg, from about 125 mg to about 175 mg, from about 145 mg toabout 150 mg, about 112 mg, or about 148 mg of ammonio methacrylatecopolymer (EUDRAGIT® RL PO). In certain embodiments, the coating systemcan further comprise from about 10 mg to about 60 mg, from about 15 mgto about 50 mg, from about 20 mg to about 40 mg, about 16 mg, or about22 mg, of triethyl citrate. In certain embodiments, the coating systemcan further comprise from about 20 mg to about 40 mg, about 22 mg, orabout 29 mg of talc. In certain embodiments, the gastroretentive tabletscan comprise an immediate release (IR) drug layer comprising carbidopa,levodopa, hydroxypropyl cellulose, α-tocopherol, and succinic acid. Incertain embodiments, the IR drug layer can comprise from about 15 mg toabout 20 mg, or about 17.5 mg of carbidopa. In certain embodiments, theIR drug layer can comprise from about 50 mg to about 75 mg, or about 65mg of levodopa. In certain embodiments, the IR drug layer can furthercomprise from about 10 mg to about 20 mg, or about 15 mg ofhydroxypropyl cellulose. In certain embodiments, the IR drug layer canfurther comprise from about 0.1 mg to about 1 mg, or about 0.5 mg ofα-tocopherol. In certain embodiments, the IR drug layer can furthercomprise from about 1 mg to about 5 mg, or about 3.5 mg of succinicacid.

6.3. Active Agents

As noted above, the self-regulating, osmotic, floating gastroretentivedrug delivery compositions of the disclosure are particularly beneficialfor drugs that have at least one of the following characteristics: avariable transit time through various regions of the GI tract, a narrowabsorption windows (NAW) in particular regions of GI tract,susceptibility to degradation in an alkaline environment, a requirementfor an acidic environment for maximum solubility, and a propensity toprecipitate in alkaline environments. The osmotic gastroretentive drugdelivery systems of the present disclosure are useful in providingimproved drug delivery, independent of drug solubility. Drugs that canbe used in the osmotic gastroretentive drug delivery systems of thepresent disclosure include, but are not limited to, the following groupsof agents: alcohol abuse preparations, drugs used for Alzheimer'sdisease, anesthetics, acromegaly agents, analgesics, anti-asthmatics,anticancer agents, anticoagulant and antithrombotic agents,anticonvulsants, antidiabetic agents, antiemetics, antiglaucoma agents,antihistamines, anti-infective agents, anti-Parkinson's agents,antiplatelet agents, antirheumatic agents, antispasmodics andanticholinergic agents, antitussives, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors,cardiovascular agents, cholinesterase inhibitors, treatment of CNSdisorders, CNS stimulants, contraceptives, cystic fibrosis management,dopamine receptor agonists, endometriosis management, erectiledysfunction therapy, fertility agents, gastrointestinal agents,immunomodulators and immunosuppressives, memory enhancers, migrainepreparations, muscle relaxants, nucleoside analogues, osteoporosismanagement, parasympathomimetics, prostaglandins, psychotherapeuticagents, sedatives, hypnotics and tranquilizers, drugs used for skinailments, steroids, and hormones.

In certain embodiments, the osmotic gastroretentive drug delivery systemof the disclosure can be used for all classes of drugs/activepharmaceutical agents that can take advantage of the gastroretentivedosage forms for improved local or systemic delivery. Examples of suchdrugs include drugs producing a local effect the in stomach, weaklybasic drugs, drugs with reduced bioavailability, drugs with higherstability in gastric region, drugs with NAW, and drugs interfering withnormal gut flora in the colon.

Examples of drugs producing a local effect in the stomach include, butare not limited to, Hi receptor agonists, antacids, agents for treatmentof Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), gastritis, gastric ulcers/cancerincluding misoprostol, amoxicillin, tetracycline, metronidazole,rebamipide, sulfasalazine, and their salts. In addition, activepharmaceutical agents that act locally include, but are not limited to,drugs for the treatment of local infections, drugs for the treatment ofvarious GI diseases and symptoms (e.g., misoprostol for gastric ulcers),or drugs for the treatment of metabolic disorders, for the treatment oflocal cancers, or for the treatment of cancer-related diseases.

Weakly basic drugs that can be included in the osmotic gastroretentivedrug delivery system of the disclosure include, but are not limited to,acetaminophen, forecoxa, celecoxib, morphine, codeine, oxycodone,hydrocodone, diamorphine, pethidine, tramadol, buprenorphine, prazosin,nifedipine, lercanidipine, amlodipine besylate, trimazosin, doxazosin,hydroxyzine hydrochloride, lorazepam, buspirone hydrochloride, pazepam,chlordiazepoxide, meprobamate, oxazepam, trifluoperazine hydrochloride,clorazepate dipotassium, diazepam, abciximab, eptifibatide, tirofiban,lamifiban, clopidogrel, ticlopidine, dicumarol, heparin, warfarin,phenobarbital, methylphenobarbital, clobazam, clonazepam, clorezepate,diazepam, midazolam, lorazepam, felbamate, carbamazepine, oxcarbezepine,vigabatrin, progabide, tiagabine, topiramate, gabapentin, pregabalin,ethotoin, phenytoin, mephenytoin, fosphenytoin, paramethadione,trimethadione, ethadione, beclamide, primidone, brivaracetam,levetiracetam, seletracetam, ethosuximide, phensuximide, mesuximide,acetazolamide, sulthiame, methazolamide, zonisamide, lamotrigine,pheneturide, phenacemide, valpromide, valnoctamide, repaglinide,nateglinide, metformin, phenformin, rosiglitazone, pioglitazone,troglitazone, miglitol, acarbose, exanatide, vildagliptin, sitagliptin,tolbutamide, acetohexamide, tolazamide, glyburide, glimepiride,gliclazide, glipizide, chlorpropamide, pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine,oxymetazoline, mepyramine, antazoline, diphenhydramine, carbinoxamine,doxylamine, clemastine, dimenhydrinate, pheniramine, chlorpheniramine,dexchlorpheniramine, brompheniramine, tripolidine, cyclizine,chlorcyclizine, hydroxyzine, meclizine, promethazine, trimeprazine,cyproheptadine, azatadine, ketotifen, dextromethorphan, noscapine, ethylmorphine, codeine, chlorambucil, lomustine, tubulazole, echinomycin,betamethasone, prednisolone, aspirin, piroxicam, valdecoxib, carprofen,celecoxib, flurbiprofen,(+)-N-{4-[3-(4-fluorophenoxy)phenoxy]-2-cyclopenten-1-yl}-N-hyroxyurea,timolol, nadolol, dextromethorphan, noscapine, ethyl morphine,theobromine, codeine, actinomycin, dactinomycin, doxorubicin,daunorubicin, epirurubicin, bleomycin, plicamycin, mitomycin,alprenolol, carteolol, levobunolol, mepindolol, metipranolol, nadolol,oxprenolol, penbutolol, pindolol, propranolol, sotalol, timolol,acebutolol, atenolol, betaxolol, bisoprolol, esmolol, metoprolol,nebivolol, carvedilol, celiprolol, labetalol, butaxemine, adalimumab,azathioprine, chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, D-penicillamine,etanercept, sodium aurothiomalate, auranofin, infliximab, leflunomide,minocycline, sulfasalazine, hydrocortisone, prednisone, prednisolone,methylprednisolone, dexamethasone, betamethasone, triamcinolone,beclomethasone, aldosterone, acetaminophen, amoxiprin, benorilate,diflunisal, faislamine, diclofenac, aceclofenac, acemetacin, bromfenac,etodolac, indomethacin, nabumetone, sulindac, tolmetin, carprofen,ketorolac, mefenamic acid, matamizole, oxyphenbutazone, sulfinprazone,piroxicam, lornoxicam, meloxicam, tenoxicam, celecoxib, etoricoxib,lumiricoxib, parecoxib, rofecoxib, valdecoxib, numesulide, iloperidone,ziprasidone, olanzepine, thiothixene hydrochloride, fluspirilene,risperidone, penfluridole, ampakine, atorvastatin calcium, cerivastatin,fluvastatin, lovastatin, mevastatin, pitavastatin, pravastatin,rosuvastatin, simvastatin, dexadrine, dexfenfluramine, fenfluramine,phentermine, orlistat, acarbose, rimonabant, sildenafil citrate,carbenicillin indanylsodium, bacampicillin hydrochloride,troleandomycin, doxycyline hyclate, ampicillin, penicillin G,oxytetracycline, minocycline, erythromycin, spiramycin, acyclovir,nelfinavir, virazole, benzalkonium chloride, chlorhexidine, econazole,terconazole, fluconazole, voriconazole, metronidazole, thiabendazole,oxiendazole, morantel, cotrimoxazole, alfaxalone, etomidate, levodopa,bromocriptine, pramipexole, ropinirole, pergolide, selegiline,trihexyphenidyl, benztropine mesylate, procyclidine, biperiden,ethopropazine, diphenhydramine, dolphenadrine, amantadine, donepezil,pyridostigmine, rivastigmine, galantamine, tacrine, minocycline,rifampin, erythromycin, nafcillin, cefazolin, imipenem, aztreonam,gentamicin, sulfamethoxazole, vancomycin, ciprofloxacin, trimethoprim,metronidazole, clindamycin, telcoplanin, mupirocin, ofloxacin,lomefloxacin, norfloxacin, nalidixic acid, sparfloxacin, pefloxacin,amifloxacin, enoxacin, fleroxacin, temafloxacin, tosufloxacin,clinafloxacin, sulbactam, clavulanic acid, amphotericin B, fluconazole,itraconazole, ketoconazole, nystatin, isocarboxazid, phenelzine,tranylcypromine, azidovudine (AZT), didanosine (dideoxyinosine, ddI),d4T, zalcitabine (dideoxycytosine, ddC), nevirapine, lamivudine (epivir,3TC), saquinavir, ritonavir, indinavir delavirdine,[R-(R*S*)]-5-chloro-N-[2-hydroxy-3-{methoxymethylamino}-3-oxo-1-(phenylmethyl)propyl-1H-indole-2-carboxamide,5-chloro-1H-indole-2-carboxylic acid[(1S)-benzyl-(2R)-hydroxy-3-((3R,4S)-dihydroxy-pyrrolidin-1-yl-)-3-o-xypropyl]amide,[2R,4S]4-[(3,5-bis-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-methoxycarbonyl-amino]-2-ethyl-6-trifluoromethyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-quinoline-1-carboxylicacid ethyl ester,[2R,4S]4-[acetyl-(3,5-bis-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-amino]-2-ethyl-6-trifluoromethyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-quinoline-1-carboxylicacid isopropyl ester,[2R,4S]4-[(3,5-Bis-trifluoromethyl-benzyl)-methoxycarbonyl-amino]-2-eth-yl-6-trifluoromethyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-quinoline-1-carboxylicacid isopropyl ester, caffeine, methylphenidate, cabergoline,pramipexole, dolasetron, granisetron, ondansetron, tropisetron,palonosetron, domperidone, droperidol, dimenhydrinate, haloperidol,chlorpromezine, promethazine, prochlorperizine, metoclopramide,alizapride, loperamide, cisapride, chlorpromazine, thioridazine,prochlorperizine, haloperidol, alprazolam, amitriptyline, bupropion,buspirone, chlordiazepoxide, citalopram, clozapine, diazepam,fluoxetine, fluphenazine, fluvoxamine, hydroxyzine, lorezapam, loxapine,mirtazepine, molindone, nefazodone, nortriptyline, olanzepine,paroxetine, phenelzine, quetiapine, risperidone, sertraline,thiothixene, tranylcypromine, trazodone, venlafaxine, ziprasidone,hydromorphone, fentanyl, methadone, morphine, oxycodone, oxymorphone,naltrexone, sodium valproate, nitrazepam, phenytoin, famonizatidine,cimetidine, ranitidine, albuterol, montelukast sodium, nicorandil,iloperidone, clonazepam, diazepam, lorazepam, baclofen, carisoprodol,chlorzoxazone, cyclobenzaprine, dantrolene, metaxalone, orphenadrine,pancuronium, tizanidine, dicyclomine, clonidine, gabapentin, andsalbutamol.

Examples of suitable drugs with greater stability in the gastric regionare liothyronine (T₃), levothyroxine (T₄), T₃/T₄ combinations,captopril, ranitidine HCL, metformin, tetracycline, and metronidazole.

Examples of suitable drugs with NAW are aspirin, levodopa,p-aminobenzoic acid, metronidazole, amoxicillin, sulfonamides,quinolones, penicillins, cephalosporins, aminoglycosides, liothyronine(T₃), levothyroxine (T₄), T₃/T₄ combinations, and tetracyclines.

Examples of suitable drugs that interfere with normal gut flora in thecolon include orally active antibiotics such as ampicillin andamoxicillin.

Each named drug, here and throughout the specification, should beunderstood to include the neutral form of the drug, as well aspharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, esters, and prodrugsthereof.

6.4. Methods of Treating

In certain embodiments, the disclosure provides methods for treatingconditions that require active pharmaceutical agents to produce maximumbenefit with minimum side effects when absorbed in upper GI tract,rather than, e.g., the colon. For example, the disclosure provides oral,osmotic controlled, floating gastroretentive dosage forms containingorally administered antibiotics, e.g., tetracycline, metronidazole,amoxicillin, and/or clindamycin, that possess a potential for alteringthe normal flora of GI tract, and particularly, the flora of colon,resulting in release of various toxins causing nausea, diarrhea, andlife-threatening side effects.

In certain embodiments, the disclosure provides methods for improvingthe bioavailability of drugs that are susceptible to degradation byintestinal enzymes, e.g., ranitidine and metformin hydrochloride. Themethod comprises preventing degradation of such drugs from intestinalenzymes by administering the drugs in the gastroretentive dosage formsof the disclosure.

In certain embodiments, as a nonlimiting example, the disclosureprovides methods for treating Parkinson's disease (PD), comprisingadministering self-regulating, oral, osmotic, floating gastroretentivecompositions of carbidopa (CD) and levodopa (LD). The gastroretentiveCD/LD compositions of the disclosure provide and maintain stable plasmaCD and LD concentrations and are superior to the marketed extendedrelease compositions containing CD and LD, e.g., SINEMET® ER andRYTARY®, that have been approved by the FDA for treating PD. PD patientson such dosage forms wake up in the morning having little or no mobilitydue to the wearing off of the dose taken the day/evening before(“off-time”). Once the previous dose has worn off, the patients areusually unwilling, or even unable, to wait for the extended period oftime required for an extended release dosage form to deliver thenecessary plasma levels of LD. While the use of an immediate releaseformulation of LD can reduce this “wait time,” the use of an immediaterelease formulation of LD requires more frequent dosing and isassociated with more fluctuating plasma LD concentrations. Thegastroretentive CD/LD compositions of the disclosure provide extendedrelease with reduced lag time and stable plasma LD concentrations forextended period, thus reducing off-time.

In certain embodiments, the disclosure provides methods for improvingpatient compliance comprising providing oral, osmotic controlled,floating gastroretentive compositions suitable for once- or twice-dailyadministration. In certain embodiments, the disclosure provides methodsfor improving patient compliance in PD patients. The method comprisesproviding once-a-day or twice-a-day administration of self-regulating,oral, osmotic, floating gastroretentive compositions of CD and LD inpatients with PD. The CD/LD compositions of the disclosure provideextended release with steady plasma concentrations of CD and LD for atleast about 8 hours, e.g., between about 8 hours and about 14 hours, orbetween about 10 hours and about 14 hours. The gastroretentive CD/LDcompositions of the disclosure reduce off-time, increase “on” timewithout disabling dyskinesia, and reduce the severity of dyskinesia incomparison to the standard oral extended release formulations.

In certain embodiments, the disclosure provides minimizing lag time andimproving patient compliance in PD patients. The method comprisesadministering, to a PD patient, an oral, osmotic controlled, floatinggastroretentive composition of the disclosure containing an IR druglayer that provides immediate release of CD/LD to minimize lag time/waittime for the period of time required for an extended release dosage formto deliver the necessary plasma levels of LD.

In certain embodiments, the disclosure provides methods for improvingcompliance in PD patients by administering gastroretentive CD/LDcompositions of the disclosure that reduce off-time, increase “on” timewithout disabling dyskinesia, and reduce the severity of dyskinesia incomparison to the standard oral extended release formulations

In certain embodiments, the disclosure provides methods of improving thebioavailability of a weakly basic drug. The method comprisesadministering to the patient, an oral, osmotically controlled, floatinggastroretentive composition containing a weakly basic drug to provideextended release with enhanced pharmacokinetic attributes of the drug,e.g., reduced lag time, avoidance of low trough levels, and reducedpeak-to-trough ratios (C_(max)/C_(min)). The composition enhances drugsolubility by releasing the weakly basic drug in the acidicmicroenvironment of the stomach, and enhances drug absorption byreleasing the drug near its site of absorption. The composition enhancesdrug solubility, provides extended release of the drug for at leastabout 8 hours, e.g., between about 8 hours and about 14 hours, orbetween about 10 hours and about 14 hours, without losinggastroretentive attributes of the system (GRS attributes), and breaksinto fragments, or collapses after complete release of the drug from thesystem.

In certain embodiments, the disclosure provides oral, self-regulating,osmotic controlled, floating gastroretentive compositions that reduceside effects and improve patient compliance by releasing drug near theabsorption site, rather than in a distal region (e.g., the colon, wherethe drug can potentially alter normal gut flora and release dangeroustoxins causing nausea, vomiting, and other life-threatening sideeffects).

In a specific embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method fortreating a condition that requires extended release of an activepharmaceutical agent that is absorbed in the upper gastrointestinaltract, the method includes administering to a subject a self-regulating,osmotic, floating gastroretentive dosage form. The dosage form includesa) a multilayer core comprising a pull layer containing the activepharmaceutical agent, an acid, and a gas-generating agent; and a pushlayer, and b) a permeable elastic membrane surrounding the multilayercore, wherein the permeable elastic membrane contains at least oneorifice and at least one ammonium polymethacrylate copolymer.

In a specific embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method fortreating Parkinson's disease, the method includes administering to aParkinson's disease patient a self-regulating, osmotic, floatinggastroretentive dosage form. The dosage form includes a) a multilayercore comprising a pull layer containing an active pharmaceuticalagent(s) suitable for treating Parkinson's disease, an acid, and agas-generating agent; and a push layer, and b) a permeable elasticmembrane surrounding the multilayer core, wherein the permeable elasticmembrane contains at least one orifice and at least one ammoniumpolymethacrylate copolymer.

6.5. Methods of Making

In certain embodiments, the disclosure provides methods for preparingoral, osmotic controlled, floating gastroretentive compositions. Themethods comprise making a pull layer blend and a push layer blend;horizontally pressing the pull layer blend and the push layer blend intobilayered tablet cores; coating the bilayered tablet cores with acoating system comprising a seal coat(s), a functional coat/membrane, acosmetic coat/over coat, and a clear coat.

In certain embodiments. the coating system can further contain an IRdrug layer. In certain embodiments, the compositions comprise abilayered tablet core coated with a coating system containing variouscoats in the following order: bilayered tablet core coated with Sealcoat-1, Permeable Membrane/Functional coat over Seal coat-1, Seal coat-2over Permeable Membrane/Functional coat; IR drug layer over Seal coat-2;Seal coat-3 over IR drug layer; Cosmetic coat over Seal coat-3, andClear coat over Cosmetic coat.

In certain embodiments, the pull layer blend comprises drug, at leastone polyethylene oxide, a stabilizer, a binder, an acid, agas-generating agent, a filler, a glidant, and at least one lubricant.In certain embodiments, the at least one polyethylene oxide has anaverage molecular weight of less than about 1,000,000, for example, anaverage molecular weight of about 100,000, about 200,000, about 300,000,about 400,000, about 500,000, about 600,000, about 700,000, about800,000, about 900,000, about 1,000,000, or intermediate values therein.

In certain embodiments, the push layer can comprise at least onepolyethylene oxide, an osmogen, a pigment, and a lubricant. In certainembodiments, the at least one polyethylene oxide can have an averagemolecular weight of about 600,000, about 700,000, about 800,000, about900,000, about 1,000,000, about 2,000,000, about 3,000,000, about4,000,000, about 5,000,000, about 6,000,000, about 7,000,000, or anyintermediate values therein.

In certain embodiments, the seal coat(s) can comprise OPADRY® II, clear;the functional coat can comprise EUDRAGIT® RL PO; the cosmetic coat cancomprise OPADRY® II, Pink/Green/Blue; and the final coat can compriseOPADRY® EZ, clear.

In certain embodiments, the IR drug layer can comprise a drug(s) for IRand a binder. In certain embodiments, the coating system can include anorifice. In certain embodiments, the orifice is drilled manually or isdrilled with a laser. In certain embodiments, the cosmetic coat and theclear coat do not include any orifice. In certain embodiments, theorifice in the coating system can be in fluid communication with thepull layer.

In certain embodiments, the pull layer includes a weakly basic drug(s).In certain embodiments, the pull layer includes a drug with any level ofsolubility, e.g., a highly soluble, moderately soluble, sparinglysoluble, or insoluble drug(s). In certain embodiments, the solubility ofmoderately or sparingly soluble drugs is improved via hot-meltextrusion, milling, nanomilling, or spray drying. In certainembodiments, the pull layer can include drugs with any polymorphic form,e.g., crystalline or amorphous form. In certain embodiments, the pulllayer includes intermediate drug granules (which contain drug) andextragranular excipients, compressed into a pull layer blend. In certainembodiments, intermediate drug granules are made via dry granulation orwet granulation. In certain embodiments, the drug is blended withexcipients via hot-melt extrusion or spray drying to obtain a pull layerblend. In certain embodiments, the intermediate drug granules comprisean active agent, a hydrophilic polymer, an acid, a binder, a stabilizer,and (optionally) a disintegrant. In certain embodiments, theextragranular components comprise at least one gas-generating agent(s).In certain embodiments, the gas-generating agent(s) is present inintermediate drug granules and/or an extragranular portion. In certainembodiments, the extragranular excipients can further include a filler,a glidant, and/or a lubricant.

In a specific embodiment, the present disclosure includes a method formaking a self-regulating, osmotic, floating gastroretentive dosage form,wherein the method includes making a pull layer blend containing a drug,and a push layer blend; horizontally compressing the pull layer blendand the push layer blend into a bilayered tablet core; coating thebilayered tablet core with a permeable elastic membrane; and drilling anorifice into the permeable elastic membrane to provide fluidcommunication with the pull layer. Specifically, making the pull layerblend includes making intermediate drug granules containing the drug,and mixing the drug granules with extragranular excipients into a pulllayer blend. The intermediate drug granules include the drug,polyethylene oxide, and an acid, and the extragranular excipientsinclude a filler, a glidant, and a lubricant. Making the push layerblend includes mixing an osmogen, polyethylene oxide, a color pigment,and a lubricant into a push layer blend; and wherein the permeableelastic membrane contains at least one ammonium polymethacrylatecopolymer and at least one plasticizer.

6.6. Features of the Dosage Forms

Those skilled in the art will recognize that gastroretentive dosageforms should be designed not only with a control on the release rate ofthe drug (temporal control) but also a control on the location of thedrug delivery (spatial control). Spatial control for delivery of a druginvolves increasing gastric retention time by using a compositioncontaining swellable polymers in admixture with a gas-generatingagent(s) to form systems that are large enough in size to prevent theirpassage through the pyloric sphincter, as well as capable of floating ongastric fluids. Those skilled in the art will recognize that systemscontaining swellable polymers and gas-generating agents can rapidlyfloat on gastric fluids because the gas generated and entrapped withinthe swellable polymers decreases the density of the system. Furtherswelling of the floating system to a size that prevents its passagethrough the pyloric sphincter is an important factor in gastricretention of the system. Floating drug delivery systems that do notexhibit sufficient swelling (e.g., having a size less than about 5-7 mm)show delayed gastric emptying in fed conditions but can still be emptiedfrom the stomach because their size is smaller than the pyloricsphincter; this can be more likely if the patient is in the supineposition. It has been reported that dosage forms with a size ofapproximately 12-18 mm diameter in their expanded state are generallyexcluded from passage through the pyloric sphincter (see, e.g., U.S.Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0305208). The system should alsobe capable of retaining this size in gastric fluid for a prolongedperiod under hydrodynamic conditions created by gastric motility (e.g.,shear effect). Thus, the combination of rapid flotation, a rapidincrease in size to prevent passage through the pyloric sphincter, andretaining the expanded size under hydrodynamic conditions of the stomachin fed and fasted states, results in increased gastric retention of agastroretentive system.

The self-regulating, osmotic, floating gastroretentive compositions ofthe disclosure contain an acid(s) and a gas-generating agent(s) toinitiate rapid flotation and swelling of the compositions. In certainembodiments, the gas-generating agent(s) include carbonate andbicarbonate salts. In certain embodiments, the acid is succinic acid andgas-generating agent(s) include sodium bicarbonate and calciumcarbonate. It was observed that the amount and molecular weight ofpolyethylene oxide in the push layer is critical to the gastricretention time and duration of extended release from the dosage form.Compositions of the present disclosure provide extended release orcombined immediate release and extended release gastroretentive systemssatisfying the following four important attributes of gastroretentivesystems: rapid flotation, rapid increase in size to prevent passagethrough the pyloric sphincter, retention of the expanded size underhydrodynamic conditions of the stomach in fed and fasted states, andcollapsing or breaking of the dosage form after the drug is released,thereby allowing the system, and any remaining contents, to be expelledfrom the stomach at an appropriate time.

The present disclosure addresses several of the needs in the art fororal controlled release compositions that can provide extended release,or combined immediate and extended release of drugs with NAW in theupper GI tract, weakly basic drugs with high pH-dependent solubility,drugs that act locally in upper GI tract, and drugs with any of theabove characteristics that degrade in lower GI tract and/or disturbnormal colonic microbes. The compositions of the disclosure can improvepharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of drugs with NAW, drugsthat degrade in lower GI tract, and/or are stable in stomach.

The present disclosure provides extended release or combined immediateand extended release gastroretentive systems, with high or low drugloading capacity, to provide targeted extended release of drugs,independent of drug solubility, in the proximal GI tract for maximumtherapeutic benefit.

The self-regulating, osmotic, floating gastroretentive compositions ofthe disclosure provide extended release of the drug, with uniformrelease profile and minimal pharmacokinetic variability.

In certain embodiments, the self-regulating gastroretentive compositionsof the disclosure, in light-meal or heavy-meal conditions, swell to asize that prevents their passage through the pyloric sphincter, and themembrane of these compositions maintains the integrity of the system ina swollen state for a prolonged period of time under hydrodynamicconditions created by gastric motility (shear effect) and pH variations.In certain embodiments, the gastroretentive compositions of thedisclosure remain in the swollen state for at least about 6 hours, e.g.,from about 10 hours to about 24 hours. Furthermore, as the pull layercontaining the active pharmaceutical agent is released from the orificeand the push layer continues to swell, the dosage form becomessufficiently empty (e.g., when at least about 80% of the activepharmaceutical agent is released), and finally collapses or breaksapart, for complete emptying from the GI system and the patient (i.e.,the remainder of the composition passes through the pyloric sphincterand exits after passage through the rest of the GI tract). In certainembodiments, the dosage form becomes sufficiently empty after at leastabout 70% to about 100%, e.g., at least about 80%, of the drug isreleased. In certain embodiments, the oral, osmotic, controlled release,floating gastroretentive compositions of the disclosure regulate coreswelling and membrane elasticity as a function of time to enableemptying of the gastroretentive composition from the GI tract.

In certain embodiments, the drug release from the oral, osmotic,controlled release, floating gastroretentive compositions of thedisclosure is independent of various physiological factors within the GItract, and the release characteristics of the composition can bepredicted from the properties of the active pharmaceutical agent and thecompositions. The compositions expand rapidly, predominantly independentof the physiological factors in the GI tract, and can be retained in thestomach for extended periods of time, e.g., at least about 10 hours toabout 24 hours, regardless of stomach pH, by maintaining the tabletintegrity in a swollen state, thus providing extended release of thedrug under varying hydrodynamic and pH conditions.

In certain embodiments, each of the pull layer and the push layercontain at least one swellable hydrophilic water-soluble polymer toprovide controlled drug release and prevent dose dumping. In certainembodiments, the pull layer comprises an active layer and a placebolayer. In certain embodiments, the pull layer comprises two activelayers or multiple active layers. In certain embodiments, both theactive layer and the placebo layer include at least one swellablehydrophilic water-soluble polymer (e.g., polyethylene oxide with anaverage molecular weight of less than or equal to 1,000,000).

In certain embodiments, the swellable water-soluble hydrophilicpolymers, e.g., polyethylene oxide, in the push layer and the pull layercontrol drug release under varying hydrodynamic and pH conditions. Incertain embodiments, controlled release of drug from the compositiondepends upon the grade/average molecular weight of polyethylene oxide inthe pull layer, e.g., an increase in the molecular weight ofpolyethylene oxide in the pull layer reduces the release rate of thedrug. In certain embodiments, the push layer comprises at least onepolyethylene oxide having an average molecular weight of greater than orequal to 600,000. In certain embodiments, the average molecular weightof polyethylene oxide in the push layer determines the release rate ofthe drug. In certain embodiments, an increase in the average molecularweight of polyethylene oxide in the push layer increases the swellingvolume of the polyethylene oxide that results from imbibition of gastricfluids. In certain embodiments, an increase in the average molecularweight of polyethylene oxide in the push layer increases drug recoveryfrom the dosage form. In certain embodiments, the push layer containspolyethylene oxide with an average molecular weight of about 2,000,000(POLYOX™ N60) and the pull layer contains polyethylene oxide with anaverage molecular weight of about 200,000 (POLYOX™ N80). In certainembodiments, the pull layer includes a mixture of polyethylene oxideshaving an average molecular weight of about 7,000,000 and about 200,000that are present in a ratio of between about 1:99 and 10:90respectively. In certain embodiments, the average molecular weights ofthe polyethylene oxides in the push layer and the pull layer aredifferent enough to prevent mixing of the two layers, and provide adecreasing viscosity gradient from the push layer to the pull layer.

In certain embodiments, swellable water-soluble hydrophilic polymers inthe pull layer and the push layer of the tablet core, and a permeable orsemipermeable elastic membrane over the tablet core, containing anorifice in fluid communication with the pull layer, control the releaseof the drug for extended periods of time.

In certain embodiments, the gastroretentive composition includes atleast one osmogen that provides a concentration gradient to facilitateosmotic flow of gastric fluid into the composition. In certainembodiments, the osmogen is present in the push layer. In certainembodiments, the osmogen is present in the pull layer and the pushlayer.

In certain embodiments, the oral, osmotic, controlled release, floatinggastroretentive compositions of the disclosure exhibit a floating lagtime of less than about 60 minutes, less than about 55 minutes, lessthan about 50 minutes, less than about 45 minutes, less than about 40minutes, less than about 35 minutes, less than about 30 minutes, lessthan about 25 minutes, less than about 20 minutes, less than about 15minutes, or any intermediate time periods therein, in 250 ml dissolutionmedium comprising 10 mM of NaCl in 0.001N HCl, at 15 rpm, measured usinga rotating bottle method.

In certain embodiments, the oral, osmotic, controlled release, floatinggastroretentive compositions of the disclosure exhibit a floating lagtime of less than about 30 minutes, less than about 20 minutes, lessthan about 15 minutes, or any intermediate time periods therein, in 250ml of pH 4.5 acetate buffer, buffer, at 15 rpm, measured using arotating bottle method. In certain embodiments, the oral, osmotic,controlled release, floating gastroretentive compositions of thedisclosure exhibit a floating lag time of between about 60 minutes andabout 30 minutes or less in GI fluids. In certain embodiments, thefloating lag time is independent of the pH of the dissolution medium.

The oral, osmotic, floating gastroretentive compositions of thedisclosure markedly improve absorption and bioavailability of activepharmaceutical agents and, in particular, improve the absorption andbioavailability of drugs having a NAW in the proximal GI tract, due tothe ability of the compositions to withstand peristalsis and mechanicalcontractility of the stomach (shear, or shear effect). Consequently, thecompositions release the drug in an extended manner in the vicinity ofabsorption site(s), without premature transit into nonabsorbing regionsof the GI tract. Unlike other formulations in the art that require ahigh calorie and/or high fat diet for maintaining gastric retention forup to 8-12 hours, the gastroretentive compositions of the disclosureprovide gastric retention of the active pharmaceutical agents with NAW,for up to 24 hours, without premature transit in nonabsorbing regions ofthe GI tract, even in low or medium calorie diet conditions. In certainembodiments, presence of an orifice in the membrane prevents membranetearing and keeps the dosage form intact for extended periods. Theorifice releases excess pressure built up during swelling of the dosageform, e.g., swelling of the push layer, and allows the membrane toremain intact. In certain embodiments, the gastroretentive compositionof the disclosure provides gastric retention of an active pharmaceuticalagent for up to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16,17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 hours, or any intermediate periodstherein. In certain embodiments, the gastroretentive composition of thedisclosure provides gastric retention of an active pharmaceutical agentfor between, e.g., about 1-24, about 10-20, about 12-18, and about 14-16hours. In certain embodiments, the gastroretentive compositions of thedisclosure provide gastric retention of an active pharmaceutical agentfor at least about 10 hours.

In certain embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter providesfor a method of improving bioavailability of a weakly basic drug with anarrow absorption window in the upper gastrointestinal tract.Specifically, the method includes administering to a subject aself-regulating, osmotic, floating gastroretentive dosage form. Thisdosage form includes a) a multilayer core comprising a pull layercontaining the weakly basic drug, an acid, and a gas-generating agent;and a push layer, and b) a permeable elastic membrane surrounding themultilayer core. The permeable elastic membrane contains at least oneorifice and at least one ammonium polymethacrylate copolymer; and thedosage form provides a stable plasma concentration of the weakly basicdrug for an extended period of time.

In certain embodiments, membrane permeability affects floating lag timeand floating time of the composition. In certain embodiments, permeationof gastric fluid into the dosage form, and generation of CO₂ from thegas-generating agent, increases with increasing membrane permeability.In certain embodiments, floating lag time decreases with increasingmembrane permeability. In certain embodiments, floating time increaseswith increasing membrane permeability. In certain embodiments themembrane comprises ammonium polymethacrylate copolymers. In certainembodiments, the membrane comprises ammonium acetate salts ofpolymethacrylate copolymers. In certain embodiments, chloride anionsfrom ammonium chloride salts of polymethacrylate copolymers are replacedwith acetate anions to enhance membrane permeability.

Without intending to be bound by any particular theory of operation, itis believed that the presence of a swellable, water-soluble hydrophilicpolyethylene oxide (e.g., POLYOX™), a gas-generating agent, and an acidin the multilayered tablet core, and a water-insoluble permeable elasticmembrane comprising EUDRAGIT® RL PO and/or EUDRAGIT® RS PO provides arapidly expanding extended release gastroretentive composition withdesired characteristics for drug release, hydrodynamic balance, andmechanical strength to withstand pH variations and shear effect in thestomach during fed and fasted conditions.

In certain embodiments, the gastroretentive compositions of thedisclosure expand within 10-15 minutes, reaching a size that preventstheir passage through the pyloric sphincter in 30 minutes or less. Incertain embodiments, the gastroretentive compositions of the disclosureexpand up to a 50% increase in volume (i.e., about 50% volume gain) overa period of about 30 minutes.

In certain embodiments, the dosage forms of the disclosure comprisemultilayered tablets that are compressed horizontally into oval,modified oval, or capsule shapes for easy swallowing. In certainembodiments, the tablets are compressed using oval, modified oval,capsule shaped or any other shaping tool. In certain embodiments, thehorizontally compressed multilayered tablets comprise a long axis havinga length of between about 12 mm and about 22 mm, and a short axis havinga length of between about 8 mm and about 11 mm. In certain embodiments,the multilayered tablets have a long axis of about 12 mm, about 13 mm,about 14 mm, about 15 mm, about 16 mm, about 17 mm, about 18 mm, about19 mm, about 20 mm, about 21 mm, about 22 mm, or any intermediatelengths therein. In certain embodiments, the multilayered tablets have ashort axis of about 8 mm, about 9 mm, about 10 mm, about 11 mm, or anyintermediate lengths therein. In certain embodiments, the horizontallycompressed multilayered tablets comprise a long axis having a length ofabout 20±2 mm, and a short axis having a length of between about 10±2mm. In certain embodiments, the initial tablet size (10 mm×19 mm) isreasonably small for swallowability, and once swallowed, the tablet isdesigned for rapid generation of carbon dioxide (CO₂) within the core toincrease its buoyancy. In certain embodiments, the tablet, during invitro dissolution, floats within 30 minutes of coming into contact withdissolution medium, and transforms into an oblong shape with major andminor axes having lengths of about 26 mm and 18 mm respectively, whichis maintained for more than 12 hours. Once the dosage form achieves theconstant size, the push-pull system gets activated and drug is releasedat constant rate for about 6-24 hours of duration.

In certain embodiments, the gastroretentive compositions of thedisclosure, when in contact with gastric fluid, or with media thatsimulate gastric conditions, expand within about 30-60 minutes to a sizethat prevents their passage through the pyloric sphincter of a human,and exhibit a floating lag time of less than about 30 minutes, e.g.,less than about 29 minutes, less than about 28 minutes, less than about27 minutes, less than about 26 minutes, less than about 25 minutes, lessthan about 24 minutes, less than about 23 minutes, less than about 22minutes, less than about 21 minutes, less than about 20 minutes, lessthan about 19 minutes, less than about 18 minutes, less than about 17minutes, less than about 16 minutes, less than about 15 minutes, lessthan about 14 minutes, less than about 13 minutes, less than about 12minutes, less than about 11 minutes, less than about 10 minutes, or lessthan about 9 minutes. In certain embodiments, the shape and size of thetablet, e.g., oval-shaped horizontally compressed tablet comprising along axis having a length of about 20±2 mm, and a short axis having alength of about 10±2 mm, prevents its passage through the pyloricsphincter of a human, with just a 50% increase in volume of the tabletin gastric fluid.

In certain embodiments, the gastroretentive compositions of thedisclosure exhibit a breaking strength of greater than or equal to 15N.

In certain embodiments, the gastroretentive compositions of thedisclosure exhibit a hardness of from about 5 kp to about 20 kp. Incertain embodiments, hardness of the bilayered tablet core is about 5kp, about 6 kp, about 7 kp, about 8 kp, about 9 kp, about 10 kp, about11 kp, about 12 kp, about 13 kp, about 14 kp, about 15 kp, about 16 kp,about 17 kp, about 18 kp, about 19 kp, about 20 kp, or any intermediatevalue therein.

In certain embodiments, the gastroretentive compositions of thedisclosure are suitable for once- or twice-daily administration. Incertain embodiments, the gastroretentive compositions of the disclosureprovide extended release of active pharmaceutical agents for a period ofabout 12-24 hours, under fed and/or fasted conditions.

In certain embodiments, the gastroretentive dosage form of thedisclosure includes a rapidly expanding membrane with high tensilestrength and elasticity that expands the dosage form in about 30 minutes(or less) to a size that prevents its passage through the pyloricsphincter of a human, and a multilayer tablet core, comprising at leastone water-soluble hydrophilic polymer, surrounded by the membrane, thatswells with imbibition and absorption of fluid and provides a controlledsustain release of the drug.

As noted above, in certain embodiments, the multilayer tablet corecomprises gas-generating agent(s), e.g., carbonate and bicarbonatesalts, that generate CO₂ in an acidic environment, e.g., gastric fluid.In certain embodiments, the multilayer tablet core further comprisesorganic and/or inorganic acids that react with carbonate/bicarbonatesalts in an aqueous environment, e.g., independent of stomach pH, andgenerate CO₂ gas. In certain embodiments, the gas-generating agentgenerates CO₂ independent of a fed or fasted state of an individual. Incertain embodiments, the membrane is highly elastic/flexible, due to thepresence of at least one plasticizer, and expands rapidly with anoutward pressure on the membrane from the generated CO₂ gas. In certainembodiments, the dosage form of the disclosure exhibits at least about50% volume gain in about 30 minutes, at least about 150% volume gain inabout 2 hours, and at least about 250% volume gain in about 4 hours, inabout 200 ml of pH 4.5 acetate buffer, at 15 rpm, measured using arotating bottle method. In certain embodiments, the dosage form exhibits250% volume gain from about 4 hours to about 14 hours. In certainembodiments, the rate of swelling of the multilayer tablet core issynchronized with the rate of expansion of the membrane, such that themultilayer tablet core swells along with the expanding membrane. Incertain embodiments, the tablet core swells at a rate such that the pulllayer in the swollen core is facing the orifice in the expanded membraneand provides drug release through the orifice. In certain embodiments,the membrane expansion is responsible for an initial rapid expansion ofthe dosage form and the swellable multilayer tablet core within themembrane supports the expanded membrane.

In certain embodiments, the expanded dosage form collapses back to about200% volume gain in about 16 hours or less, and about 150% volume gainin about 18 hours or less. In certain embodiments, the dosage form cansqueeze due to release of drug and excipients from the tablet core, andeffusion of CO₂ through the membrane into the surrounding environment.

In certain embodiments, the multilayer tablet core swells to a size thatcan support the expanded permeable or semipermeable elastic membrane. Incertain embodiments, the permeable or semipermeable elastic membranecontaining an orifice keeps the multilayer tablet core intact in aswollen condition for prolonged time periods and the dosage providesextended release of the drug for the prolonged time periods, e.g., 10-24hours. In certain embodiments, the rate of generation of CO₂ and rate ofexpansion of membrane is enhanced with increasing membrane permeability.In certain embodiments, the expansion of the membrane is faster than theswelling of the tablet core. Such time differential in swelling of themembrane and the tablet core results in empty space between the tabletcore and the membrane to accommodate generated CO₂, which keeps thedosage form in a swollen state for long time periods and enhances itsgastric residence time.

In certain embodiments, the gastroretentive dosage forms of thedisclosure provide extended release of moderately soluble and/orsparingly soluble drugs that exhibit site-specific absorption in theupper GI tract. In certain embodiments, the gastroretentive dosage formsof the disclosure provide extended release of highly soluble drugs thatexhibit site-specific absorption in the upper GI tract, e.g.,pyridostigmine. In certain embodiments, the gastroretentive dosage formsof the disclosure include moderately soluble drugs that exhibitsite-specific absorption in the GI tract, e.g., carbidopa and levodopa.In certain embodiments, the gastroretentive dosage forms of thedisclosure improve bioavailability of moderately and sparingly solubledrugs by extending their gastric residence time such that the drugs arereleased for extended periods of time, at a controlled rate, into theproximity of their site of absorption (or action), without the dosageform reaching the lower part of the GI tract with the drugs still in thedosage form.

The present disclosure provides extended release, or combined immediaterelease and extended release, floating gastroretentive drugformulations, with high, medium, or low drug-loading capacity,containing drugs, with any level of solubility, that require targeteddrug release in the proximal GI tract for maximum therapeutic benefit.The present disclosure provides rapidly expanding gastroretentive dosageforms comprising a permeable or semipermeable membrane with highelasticity and tensile strength, a multilayered tablet core surroundedby the permeable or semipermeable membrane, wherein the tablet corecomprises at least one gas-generating agent and a swellable hydrophilicpolymer to provide flotation of the dosage form with a floating lag timeof less than about 30 minutes, prevent dose dumping, and ensure theemptying of the dosage form after complete drug recovery. The presentdisclosure provides self-regulating, oral, osmotic, controlled release,floating gastroretentive dosage forms that are suitable for providingcontrolled release from about 10 hours to about 24 hours.

The gastroretentive compositions of the disclosure can convenientlyrelease active pharmaceutical agents in an extended release profile, orin a combined immediate and extended release profile, over a prolongedperiod, without losing bioavailability of the active pharmaceuticalagent for the extended release period. Because the gastric retentiondepends primarily on swelling and floating mechanisms, the swellingbehavior was evaluated in terms of gravimetric swelling (water uptake)and volumetric swelling (size increase). FIG. 3 shows swelling kinetics(volumetric) of test formulations. As the entrapment of insitu-generated carbon dioxide produced by the reaction between sodiumbicarbonate and/or calcium carbonate with the included acid and/or theSGF, floating lag time was also measured (FIG. 2). In addition, multipletests of the ability of a tablet to withstand shear forces, offeringhigher discrimination of the effects of such forces, were also utilized:a custom basket method at 100 rpm (FIG. 4), a rotating bottle method at15 rpm (FIG. 5), and a Biodis reciprocating cylinder method at 25 dpm(FIGS. 6 and 7).

The test procedures to measure these properties are described in theExamples below. The present disclosure is not to be limited in scope bythe specific embodiments described herein. Indeed, various modificationsof the disclosure in addition to those described herein will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description.Such modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the appendedclaims.

7. EXAMPLES

The detailed description of the present disclosure is furtherillustrated by the following Examples, which are illustrative only andare not to be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure.Variations and equivalents of these Examples will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art in light of the present disclosure, the drawings, andthe claims herein.

Example 1: Preparation of Extended Release Levodopa/Carbidopa Tablets

The present example provides various formulations of extended releaselevodopa/carbidopa tablets as outlined in Table 1 and Table 2. Elevendifferent tablets were prepared.

TABLE 1 Formulations of Levodopa/Carbidopa Tablets Tablet Tablet TabletTablet Tablet Tablet 1 mg/ 2 mg/ 3 mg/ 4 mg/ 5 mg/ 6 mg/ Ingredientsdose dose dose dose dose dose Pull Layer Blend Levodopa 200.0 200.0240.0 320.0 240.0 320.0 Carbidopa 54.0 54.0 64.80 86.40 64.80 86.40POLYOX ™ 200.0 200.0 193.26 141.56 190.7 190.6 N80 POLYOX ™ 5.00 5.0 5.05.014 5.0 5.0 N303 Hydroxypropyl 8.00 8.0 8.0 8.0 8.0 8.0 celluloseSuccinic acid 50.0 50.0 50.0 50.0 125.0 125.0 α-tocopherol, 0.50 0.500.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 Sodium 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 50.0 50.0 bicarbonateCalcium 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 75.0 75.0 carbonate PARTECK ® 44.00 44.0 — —51.50 0.0 M200 Cab-O-Sil ® 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 Magnesium 10.0 10.010.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 stearate Push Layer Blend POLYOX ™ 220.0 220.0 220.0220.0 220.0 220.0 N60 Sodium chloride 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 Redpigment 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 — — blend (PB1595) Oxide Pigment — — — — 4.0 4.0Black (PB- 177003) Magnesium 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 stearate TabletCore 950.0 950.0 950.0 1000.0 1076.0 1126.0 Weight Tablet Core withCoating System OPADRY ® II 40.0 40.0 40.0 40.0 40.0 40.0 clearEUDRAGIT ® 111.15 148.2 111.2 111.2 111.2 111.2 RL PO Triethyl citrate16.65 22.50 16.65 16.65 16.65 16.65 Talc 22.20 29.60 22.20 22.20 22.2022.20 OPADRY ® II, 15.0 15.0 15.0 15.0 — 15.0 Pink OPADRY ® II, — —Green OPADRY ® II, 15.0 — Blue Opadry EZ — 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 ClearTotal Weight 1155.0 1205.0 1165.0 1215.0 1291.0 1341.0

TABLE 2 Formulations of Levodopa/Carbidopa Tablets Tablet Tablet TabletTablet Tablet Tablet 7 8 9 10 11 12 mg/ mg/ mg/ mg/ mg/ mg/ Ingredientsdose dose dose dose dose dose Pull Layer Blend Levodopa 240.0 320.0240.0 320.0 320.0 315.0 Carbidopa 64.80 86.40 64.80 86.40 86.40 85.0POLYOX ™ 190.7 190.6 190.7 190.6 190.6 148.0 N80 POLYOX ™ 5.0 5.0 5.05.0 5.0 5.0 N303 Hydroxypropyl 8.0 8.0 8.0 8.0 8.0 8.0 celluloseSuccinic acid 75.0 75.0 100.0 100.0 125.0 50.0 Sodium — — — — 50 —Chloride α-tocopherol 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50 Sodium 50.0 50.050.0 50.0 50.0 100.0 bicarbonate Calcium 75.0 75.0 75.0 75.0 75.0 25.0carbonate PARTECK ® — — — — — — M200 Cab-O-Sil 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5Magnesium 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 stearate Push Layer BlendPOLYOX ™ 220.0 220.0 220.0 220.0 220.0 220.0 N60 Sodium 25.0 25.0 25.025.0 25.0 25.0 chloride Oxide Pigment 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 Black (PB-177003) Iron oxide — — — — — 2.0 (Red Blend) Magnesium 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.03.0 3.0 stearate Tablet Core 974.5 1076.0 999.5 1101.0 1176.0 1000.0Weight Tablet Core with Coating System Levodopa/ 974.5 1076.0 999.51101.0 1176.0 1000.0 carbidopa tablet core OPADRY ® II 40.0 40.0 40.040.0 40.0 40.0 clear EUDRAGIT ® 111.2 111.2 111.2 111.2 111.2 111.15 RLPO Triethyl citrate 16.65 16.65 16.65 16.65 16.65 16.65 Talc 22.20 22.2022.20 22.20 22.20 22.20 OPADRY ® II, — 15.0 — 15.0 15.0 15.0 PinkOPADRY ® II, 15.0 15.0 — — Blue Opadry EZ 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 —Clear IR Drug Layer Carbidopa — — — — — 17.55 Levodopa — — — — — 65.0HPC — — — — — 15.0 α-tocopherol, — — — — — 0.52 Succinic acid — — — — —3.25 Total Weight 1189.55 1291.0 1214.5 1316.0 1391.0 1306.32

Tablets 1-4 and Tablet 12 contain 100 mg of sodium bicarbonate and 25 mgof calcium carbonate, and Tablets 5-11 contain 50 mg of sodiumbicarbonate and 75 mg of calcium carbonate. Further, Tablets 1-4 andTablet 12 contain 50 mg of succinic acid, Tablets 5, 6, and 11 contain125 mg of succinic acid, Tablets 7 and 8 contain 75 mg of succinic acid,and Tablets 9 and 10 contain 100 mg of succinic acid. The tablets weremade according to the following general procedure.

Manufacturing Procedure:

A. Pull Layer Blend:

-   -   Levodopa, carbidopa, POLYOX™ N80, POLYOX™ N303, succinic acid,        α-tocopherol, and hydroxypropyl cellulose were wet granulated        into CD/LD granulates, the resulting granules were dried,        milled, and blended with sodium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate,        PARTECK® M200, Cab-O-Sil®, and magnesium stearate to obtain a        uniform pull layer blend.

B. Push Layer Blend:

-   -   POLYOX™ N60, sodium chloride, red pigment blend, and magnesium        stearate were blended to obtain a uniform push layer blend.

C. Bilayered Tablet Core:

-   -   The pull layer blend from step A and push layer blend from step        B were pressed horizontally, using a suitable tablet press, into        a bilayered tablet core.

D. Coating System:

-   -   Bilayered tablet cores from step C were coated, using a        perforated pan coater, with a seal coat comprising OPADRY® II,        clear; and a functional coat comprising triethyl citrate,        EUDRAGIT® RL PO, and talc.

E. Laser Hole Drilling:

-   -   A laser hole in fluid communication with the pull layer was        drilled into the coating system from step D (excluding the        cosmetic coat and the final coat, i.e., before those coats were        applied).

F. IR Drug Layer:

-   -   Laser hole-drilled bilayered tablets from step E were coated,        using a perforated pan coater, with an IR drug layer comprising        carbidopa, levodopa, hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC),        α-tocopherol, and succinic acid.

G. Over Coat and Final Coat:

-   -   Laser hole-drilled tablets from step E were further coated with        a cosmetic coat comprising OPADRY® II, Pink/Green/Blue; and a        final coat comprising OPADRY® EZ, Clear. Tablets with an IR drug        layer from step F were further coated with a seal coat        comprising OPADRY® II clear, cosmetic coat comprising OPADRY®        II, Pink/Green/Blue; and a final coat comprising OPADRY® EZ        clear. All coatings were performed using a perforated pan        coater.

Example 2: Measurement of Volumetric Swelling

The tablet volume was determined to calculate the volumetric expansion.To calculate the volume, the swollen tablet was placed in a graduatedmeasuring cylinder filled with fixed volume of dissolution medium, andthe rise in dissolution medium level was noted over a 14-hour period.The percent volumetric expansion was calculated using the followingequation:

${{Volumetric}\mspace{14mu}{Gain}\mspace{14mu}(\%)} = {\frac{V_{s} - V_{d}}{V_{d}} \times 100}$V_(s) is the volume of swollen tablet (at specific time point), andV_(d) is the volume of dry tablet (initial).

FIG. 3 compares volumetric swelling of Tablet 1 and Tablet 2 in about200 ml of about pH 4.5 acetate buffer, using rotating bottle dissolutionmethod, at 15 rpm and temperature of 37° C. Tablet 2 contained a highercoating weight gain (about 15 wt % of the uncoated tablet core) offunctional coat, than Tablet 1 (about 12 wt % of the uncoated tabletcore). FIG. 3 shows tablet volume gains of Tablet 1 and Tablet 2 over a20-hour period. The figure demonstrates that the tablets exhibited avolume gain of about 100% in less than 1 hour, e.g., about 45 minutes.

FIG. 9 compares volumetric swelling of Tablet 5 (240 mg levodopa) andTablet 6 (320 mg levodopa) in a light meal medium comprising about 200ml of an aqueous medium comprising sodium chloride, calcium chloride,phosphate salts, citric acid, and sugar, using rotating bottledissolution method, at 15 rpm and temperature of 37° C. FIG. 9 showstablet volume gains of Tablet 5 and Tablet 6 over an 8-hour period. Thefigure demonstrates that the tablets exhibited a volume gain of about100% in about 3 hours.

Example 3: Measurement of Floating Lag Time

The time required for the tablet to float in a gastric medium is animportant measure of the gastric retention, as a rapid progression tofloating reduces the chance of accidental emptying (escape) of thedosage form from the stomach. The final coated tablets from Example 1(Tablets 1 and 2) were placed in about 250 mL of pH 4.5 acetate bufferin a USP dissolution apparatus III—Biodis at 25 dpm. The tablets werecarefully observed until they began to float on the surface of themedium. The elapsed time was recorded and reported as floating lag time.

FIG. 2 compares floating lag times of Tablet 1 and Tablet 2 in about 250ml of pH 4.5 acetate buffer, using USP dissolution apparatus III—Biodisreciprocating cylinder, at about 25 dpm and about 37° C. Tablet 2contained a higher coating weight gain (about 15 wt % of the uncoatedtablet core) in its functional coat, as compared with Tablet 1 (about 12wt % of the uncoated tablet core). FIG. 2 demonstrates that the tabletsexhibited a floating lag time of about 15 minutes or less.

Example 4: Measurement of Dissolution Profile

Dissolution of drug from the dosage form is an important measure toachieve controlled and extended delivery of the drug. Dissolutionstudies were performed using different conditions to assess the effectof different physiological and hydrodynamic conditions with regards topH, buffer, and shear forces. The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) hasestablished a standardized dissolution apparatus to measure the in vitroperformance of a drug product for development and quality controlpurposes. These standard procedures use in vitro solubility as asurrogate for in vivo absorption. Because of the floating nature of thetablet, USP dissolution apparatus I, which uses a basket as sampleholder, was used to evaluate the release of drug from these tablets as afunction of time. In addition, to simulate the effect of shearconditions in fasting and fed states, dissolution studies were alsoperformed using rotating bottle dissolution method, and USP dissolutionapparatus III—Biodis reciprocating cylinder method. Differentdissolution methods used for this purpose are described below.

USP Dissolution Apparatus I (Custom Basket):

A Distek Automatic Dissolution Apparatus equipped with custom sizebasket was used. The dissolution test was performed in about 900 mL ofpH 4.5 acetate buffer to simulate fed conditions. A rotation speed ofabout 100 rpm was used. In the case of a combination product such ascarbidopa/levodopa, the drug release was measured using high performanceliquid chromatography (HPLC). Drug sample (5 ml) was withdrawn atspecified time intervals of 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14 hours, and thedrug content was measured by HPLC. FIG. 4 shows dissolution profiles ofTablet 1 and Tablet 2 using USP dissolution apparatus I—custom basket inabout 900 ml of pH 4.5 acetate buffer, at about 100 rpm. FIG. 4demonstrates at least about 10% dissolution of levodopa, in adissolution medium simulating fed state of an individual, in 2 hours.

Rotating Bottle Method:

A rotating bottle method was used to simulate high shear conditions instomach. Tablet 1 and Tablet 2 were placed in about 200 ml ofdissolution medium in a glass bottle containing about 10 g of glassbeads (3 mm). The bottle was secured in the rotating arm of an apparatusplaced inside a constant temperature water bath maintained at about 37°C. The bottle was rotated at speeds of about 15 rpm or about 30 rpm tosimulate the effect of different shear conditions in the stomach in fedstate. Drug sample (about 5-10 ml) was withdrawn at specified timeintervals of 2, 4, 6, 8, and 14 hours, and the drug content released wasmeasured using HPLC. FIG. 5 shows dissolution profiles of Tablet 1 andTablet 2 using the rotating bottle method, in about 200 ml of pH 4.5acetate buffer, at about 15 rpm. FIG. 5 demonstrates at least about 10%dissolution of levodopa, in a dissolution medium simulating fed state ofan individual, in about 2 hours.

USP III (Biodis Reciprocating Cylinder Method):

A reciprocating cylinder method, associating the hydrodynamics of arotating bottle method with the facility for exposing the dosage form todifferent dissolution media and agitation speeds, was used to simulatehigh shear conditions in stomach. The dosage unit was inserted into aninternal cylinder, consisting of a glass tube closed at both ends withplastic caps containing a screen. The internal cylinder was connected toa metallic rod that undertook immersion and emersion movements(reciprocating action) within the dissolution vessel/external cylinder.An anti-evaporation system was deployed over the vessels in order toavoid alteration in the volume of the dissolution medium during theassay. FIG. 6 compares dissolution profiles of levodopa from Tablet 1and Tablet 2, in about in 250 ml of pH 4.5 acetate buffer, using USPIII—Biodis reciprocating cylinder, at about 5 dpm and about 37° C. Thedrug samples were withdrawn at specified time intervals of 2, 4, 6, 8,and 14 hours, and drug concentration was measured using HPLC. Tablet 2contained a higher coating weight gain (about 15 wt % of the uncoatedtablet core) in its functional coat than Tablet 1 (about 12 wt % of theuncoated tablet core). FIG. 6 demonstrates at least about 15%dissolution of levodopa, in a dissolution medium simulating a fed stateof an individual, in about 120 minutes.

FIG. 7 shows cyclic dissolution profiles of levodopa from Tablet 1 andTablet 2 using USP dissolution apparatus III—Biodis, simulating gastricconditions during a 12-hour period, e.g., fed state, fasted state,followed by a subsequent fed state (each state for four hours). FIG. 7shows cyclic dissolution profiles with an initial dissolution in 250 mlpH 4.5 acetate buffer, followed by dissolution in 250 ml 0.01 N HCl, andfinal dissolution in 250 ml pH 4.5 acetate buffer (each dissolutionperiod of about 4 hours). Tablet 2 contained a higher coating weightgain (about 15 wt % of the uncoated tablet core) in its functional coatthan Tablet 1 (about 12 wt % of the uncoated tablet core).

Example 5: Measurement of Dissolution Profile in a Dissolution MediumComprising 0.001 N HCL and 10 mM NaCl

Dissolution of drug from the dosage form is an important measure toachieve controlled and extended delivery of the drug. Dissolutionstudies were performed using a dissolution medium comprising 0.001 N HCLwith 10 mM NaCl. FIG. 8 compares dissolution profiles of levodopa fromTablet 5 (240 mg levodopa) and Tablet 6 (320 mg levodopa), in 900 ml ofa dissolution medium comprising 10 mM NaCl in 0.001 N HCl, using USPI—Custom basket, at about 100 rpm and about 37° C. Samples for drugmeasurement were withdrawn at specified time intervals of 1, 2, 4, 6, 8,10, 12, 16, and 20 hours and drug concentrations were measured usingHPLC. FIG. 8 demonstrates about 40% dissolution of levodopa in about 120minutes.

Example 6: Oral Bioavailability of Carbidopa and Levodopa for Tablet 1and Tablet 2

A single dose pharmacokinetic (PK) study was conducted in healthyvolunteers under fed conditions to evaluate the PK performance ofself-regulating, osmotic, floating gastroretentive dosage forms of thedisclosure using Tablet 1 and Tablet 2. An open-label, single dose,cross-over comparative bioavailability study was conducted in 24 normal,healthy, adult, human subjects under high-fat, high-calorie breakfastcondition.

FIG. 10 provides mean (n=24) plasma concentration curves for levodopa.An extended release providing therapeutic concentration, from about 300ng/ml to about 500 ng/ml, of levodopa for a period of about 9 hours wasobserved in all 24 volunteers dosed with Tablets 1 and 2.Pharmacokinetic parameters for carbidopa and levodopa are summarized inTables 3 and 4, respectively.

TABLE 3 Pharmacokinetics Results of Carbidopa Pharmacokinetic Mean ± SD(CV %) (N = 24) parameters (units) Tablet 1 Tablet 2 C_(max) (ng/mL)43.38 ± 14.89 37.76 ± 17.73 (34.33) (46.95) AUC_(0-t) (ng · hr/mL)340.70 ± 87.83  300.21 ± 119.25 (25.78) (39.72) AUC_(0-inf) 373.33 ±85.69  421.03 ± 426.59 (ng · hr/mL) (22.95) (101.32)  T_(max) (hr)* 5.00(4.00-14.00) 11.53 (5.00-15.00) K_(el) (hr-1) 0.21 ± 0.09 0.20 ± 0.10(42.17) (49.58) t_(1/2) (hr) 4.38 ± 3.08 10.47 ± 27.59 (70.33) (263.60) AUC Extrapolated 8.94 ± 9.22 13.90 ± 21.40 (%) (103.19)  (154.01) 

TABLE 4 Pharmacokinetics Results of Levodopa Pharmacokinetic Mean ± SD(CV %) (N = 24) parameters (units) Tablet 1 Tablet 2 C_(max) (ng/mL)730.36 ± 202.07 618.20 ± 201.33 (27.67) (32.57) AUC_(0-t) (ng · hr/mL)5164.54 ± 957.55  4505.34 ± 1481.74 (18.54) (32.89) AUC_(0-inf) (ng ·hr/mL) 5372.20 ± 978.34  4987.96 ± 2415.12 (18.21) (48.42) T_(max) (hr)*8.00 (4.00-13.00) 9.00 (5.00-14.00) K_(el) (hr-1) 0.31 ± 0.13 0.29 ±0.11 (41.49) (36.09) t_(1/2) (hr) 2.87 ± 1.87 3.65 ± 5.57 (64.98)(152.39)  AUC Extrapolated 3.54 ± 7.64  4.81 ± 13.79 (%) (215.87) (286.68) 

The data from this study (Tables 3 and 4/FIG. 10) demonstrate thatself-regulating, osmotic, floating gastroretentive compositions of thedisclosure (Tablets 1 and 2) provide extended release of the drug for aperiod of about 12 hours and are suitable for once- or twice-dailyadministration. Tablets 1 and 2, based on a dosing regimen of twice aday and an extended release profile of over 12 hours, will have keyadvantages over other nongastroretentive formulations to reduce thepercentage of “off” time from baseline, as well as increase thepercentage of “on” time without troublesome dyskinesia during waking.

Example 7: Oral Bioavailability of Carbidopa and Levodopa for Tablets 5and 6

A single-dose pharmacokinetic (PK) study was conducted in healthyvolunteers under the fed condition to evaluate the PK performance oforal, osmotic, controlled release floating gastroretentive dosage formsof the disclosure using Tablets 5 and 6. An open-label, nonrandomized,single-dose, two-treatment, one-way crossover, comparativebioavailability study was conducted in 24 normal, healthy, adult humansubjects under high-fat, high-calorie breakfast conditions.

PK parameters for levodopa are summarized in Table 5.

TABLE 5 Pharmacokinetics Results of Levodopa Pharmacokinetic Mean ± SD(CV %) (N = 24) parameters (units) Tablet 5 (240 mg) Tablet 6 (320 mg)C_(max) (ng/mL) 1566.50 ± 350.75  2068.05 ± 500.17  (22.39) (24.19)AUC_(0-t) (ng · hr/mL) 8549.60 ± 981.76  11628.01 ± 2430.91  (11.48)(20.91) AUC0-inf (ng · hr/mL) 8612.11 ± 981.40  11702.07 ± 2457.26 (11.40) (21.00) T_(max) (hr)* 4.41 ± 1.32 4.78 ± 1.53 (29.91) (39.96)K_(el) (hr-1) 0.28 ± 0.07 0.28 ± 0.07 (25.33) (25.15) t_(1/2) (hr) 2.63± 0.62 2.60 ± 0.57 (23.68) (21.97) AUC Extrapolated 0.73 ± 0.52 0.62 ±0.38 (%) (70.78) (60.85)

The data from this study (Table 5/FIG. 11) demonstrates that oral,osmotic, controlled release, floating gastroretentive compositions ofthe disclosure (Tablets 5 and 6) provide about 30% more bioavailabilitycompared to Tablets 1 and 2. FIG. 11 provides mean (n=24) plasmaconcentration curves for levodopa. FIG. 11 demonstrates that Tablets 5and 6 provide extended release of at least about 400 ng/ml of levodopafor a period of about 7 hours and about 10 hours, respectively. Table 5further demonstrates dose proportionality between the 240 mg and 320 mgtablet strengths.

Example 8: MRI Study Showing Self-Regulation of Gastroretentive DosageForms

An open-label, single-treatment, single-period, magnetic resonanceimaging (MRI) study of Tablet 5 (CD/LD—60 mg/240 mg extended releasetablet containing black iron oxide as MRI-contrasting agent) wasconducted using Siemens Magnetom Symphony 1.5 Tesla system. The studywas conducted in healthy adult subjects under fed conditions. AbdominalMRI scans of stomach and intestine of the subjects were performed to seethe presence of the tablet in the subjects at 8, 10, 12, 16, and 24hours (±30 minutes) post-dose period. The tablets were visible as blackspots/holes in the stomach due to the presence of black iron oxide. FIG.12 shows post-dose MRI scans of stomach and intestine of one of thesubject consuming the dosage form. FIG. 12 shows that the black spotspreads in the entire stomach at 24 hours, indicating the tablet fallsapart at some time between 16 hours and 24 hours post-dose.

Example 9: Preparation of Extended Release Liothyronine Tablets, 50 Mcg

The present example provides formulation of extended releaseliothyronine tablets as outlined in Table 6.

TABLE 6 Formulation of Liothyronine Tablets Tablet 13 Tablet 14Ingredients (mg/dose) (mg/dose) Pull Layer Blend Liothyronine sodium*0.052 0.052 Calcium sulfate 239.45 239.45 Hydroxypropyl cellulose 5.05.0 α-tocopherol, 0.5 0.5 POLYOX ™ N80 261.5 261.5 POLYOX ™ N303 5.0 5.0Sodium bicarbonate 100.0 100.0 Calcium carbonate 25.0 25.0 Succinic acid50.0 50.0 Cab-O-Sil 3.5 3.5 Magnesium stearate 10.0 10.0 Push LayerBlend POLYOX ™ N60 220.0 220.0 Sodium chloride 25.0 25.0 Red pigmentblend (PB1595) 2.0 2.0 Magnesium stearate 3.0 3.0 Tablet Core Weight950.0 950.0 Tablet Core with Coating System OPADRY ® II, clear 40.0 40.0EUDRAGIT ® RL PO 111.15 148.20 Triethyl citrate 16.65 22.50 Talc 22.2029.60 OPADRY ® II, Pink 15.0 15.0 Opadry EZ, Clear 10.0 10.0 TabletWeight 1165.0 1215.0 *0.052 mg of liothyronine sodium is equivalent to0.050 mg of liothyronine

Tablet 13 contains about 15% coating weight gain of the functional coat,and Tablet 14 contains about 20% coating weight gain of the functionalcoat. The tablets are made according to the following manufacturingprocedure.

Manufacturing Procedure:

A. Pull Layer Blend:

-   -   Liothyronine sodium, calcium sulfate, hydroxypropyl cellulose,        and α-tocopherol are wet granulated and blended with sodium        bicarbonate, calcium carbonate, POLYOX® N80, POLYOX™ N303,        succinic acid, Cab-O-Sil®, and magnesium stearate to obtain a        uniform pull layer blend.

B. Push Layer Blend:

-   -   POLYOX™ N60, sodium chloride, red pigment, and magnesium        stearate are blended into a uniform push layer blend.

C. Bilayered Tablet Core:

-   -   The two layers from Steps A and B are pressed horizontally to        form a bilayered tablet core.

D. Coating System:

-   -   Bilayered tablets from Step C are coated with a seal coat        comprising OPADRY® II, clear; a functional coat comprising        triethyl citrate and EUDRAGIT® RL PO, and talc; a cosmetic coat        comprising OPADRY® II, Pink; and a final coat comprising OPADRY®        EZ, clear.

E. Laser Hole Drilling:

-   -   A laser hole in fluid communication with the pull layer is        drilled into the coating system (before application of the        cosmetic coat and the final coat described in Step D, above).

Example 10: Extended Release Metaxalone Tablets, 400 mg

The present example provides formulation of extended release metaxalonetablets as outlined in Table 7.

TABLE 7 Tablet 15 Tablet 16 Ingredients (mg/dose) (mg/dose) Pull layerblend Metaxalone 400.0 400.0 POLYOX ™ N 80 148.0 148.0 POLYOX ™ N 3033.0 3.0 Hydroxypropyl cellulose 8.0 8.0 Succinic acid 50.0 50.0 Sodiumchloride — — α-tocopherol, 0.50 0.50 Sodium bicarbonate 100.0 100.0Calcium carbonate 25.0 25.0 Parteck M200 — — Cab-O-Sil 3.5 3.5 Magnesiumstearate 10.0 10.0 Push layer blend POLYOX ™ N 60 220.0 220.0 Sodiumchloride 25.0 25.0 Oxide Pigment Black (PB-177003) 2.0 2.0 Magnesiumstearate 3.0 3.0 Tablet Core Weight 1000.0 Tablet Core with CoatingSystem OPADRY ® II clear 40.0 EUDRAGIT ® RL PO 111.2 148.20 Triethylcitrate 16.65 22.50 Talc 22.20 29.60 OPADRY ® II, Pink 15.0 15.0 OpadryEZ Clear 10.0 10.0 Total 1215.0 1245.0

Tablet 15 contains about 15% coating weight gain of the functional coat,and Tablet 16 contains about 18% coating weight gain of the functionalcoat. The tablets are made according to the following manufacturingprocedure.

Manufacturing Procedure:

A. Pull Layer Blend:

-   -   Metaxalone, POLYOX™ N 80, POLYOX™ N 303, succinic acid,        α-tocopherol, and hydroxypropyl cellulose are wet granulated and        blended with sodium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate, Parteck®        M200, Cab-O-Sil®, and magnesium stearate to obtain a uniform        pull layer final blend.

B. Push Layer Blend:

-   -   POLYOX™ N 60, sodium chloride, red pigment, and magnesium        stearate are blended into a uniform blend.

C. Bilayered Tablet Core:

-   -   The pull layer blend from Step A and push layer blend from Step        B are pressed horizontally, using a suitable tablet press, into        a bilayered tablet core.

D. Coating System:

-   -   Bilayered tablet cores from Step C are coated with a seal coat        comprising OPADRY® II, Clear, a functional coat comprising        EUDRAGIT® RL PO, triethyl citrate, and talc, a cosmetic coat        comprising OPADRY® II, Pink, and a final coat comprising OPADRY        EZ clear.

E. Laser Hole Drilling:

-   -   A laser hole in fluid communication with the pull layer is        drilled into the coating system (before application of the        cosmetic coat and the final coat described in Step D, above).

Example 11: Extended ReleaseTetracycline/Amoxicillin/Ampicillin/Clindamycin Tablets

The present example provides formulation of extended releasetetracycline/amoxicillin/ampicillin/clindamycin tablets as outlined forTablets 17-20 in Table 8.

TABLE 8 Ingredients mg/dose Pull layer blend 17 18 19 20 TetracyclineHydrochloride 500.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Clindamycin 0.0 300 0.0 0.0 Ampicillin0.0 0.0 500 0.0 Amoxicillin 0.0 0.0 0.0 500 Hydroxypropyl cellulose 8.08.0 8.0 8.0 α-tocopherol, 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 POLYOX ™ N750 148.0 148.0148.0 148.0 POLYOX ™ N60 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 Sodium bicarbonate 50.0 50.050.0 50.0 Calcium carbonate 75.0 75.0 75.0 75.0 Succinic acid 125.0125.0 125.0 125.0 Cab-O-Sil ® 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 Magnesium stearate 10.010.0 10.0 10.0 Push Layer Blend 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 POLYOX ™ N60 220.0 220.0220.0 220.0 Sodium chloride 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 Red pigment blend(PB1595) 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 Magnesium stearate 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 Tablet CoreWeight 1173 973 1173 1173 OPADRY ® II, clear 40.0 40.0 40.0 40.0EUDRAGIT ® RL PO 111.15 111.15 111.15 111.15 Triethyl citrate 16.6516.65 16.65 16.65 Talc 22.20 22.20 22.20 22.20 OPADRY ® II, Pink 15.015.0 15.0 15.0 Opadry EZ, Clear 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 Tablet Weight 13881188 1388 1388Manufacturing Procedure:

A. Pull Layer Blend:

-   -   Tetracycline hydrochloride/clindamycin/ampicillin/amoxicillin,        POLYOX™ N 750, POLYOX™ N 60, succinic acid, α-tocopherol, and        hydroxypropyl cellulose are dry granulated using roller        compaction; the resulting granules are milled, and blended with        sodium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate, Parteck® M200,        Cab-O-Sil®, and magnesium stearate to obtain a uniform pull        layer final blend.

B. Push Layer Blend:

-   -   POLYOX™ N 60, sodium chloride, red pigment, and magnesium        stearate are blended into a uniform blend.

C. Bilayered Tablet Core:

-   -   The pull layer blend from Step A and push layer blend from Step        B are pressed horizontally, using a suitable tablet press, into        a bilayered tablet core.

D. Coating System:

-   -   Bilayered tablet cores from Step C are coated with a seal coat        comprising OPADRY® II, Clear, a functional coat comprising        EUDRAGIT® RL PO, triethyl citrate, and talc, a cosmetic coat        comprising OPADRY® II, Pink, and a final coat comprising OPADRY        EZ clear.

E. Laser Hole Drilling:

-   -   A laser hole in fluid communication with the pull layer is        drilled into the coating system (before application of the        cosmetic coat and the final coat described in Step D, above).

Example 12: Extended Release Domperidone/Odansetron/RanitidineHydrochloride/Metformin Hydrochloride Tablets

The present example provides formulation of extended releasedomperidone/odansetron/ranitidine hydrochloride/metformin hydrochloridetablets as outlined for Tablets 21-24 in Table 9.

TABLE 9 Ingredients mg/dose Pull Layer Blend 21 22 23 24 Domperidone10.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Odansetron 0.0 8.0 0.0 0.0 Ranitidine Hydrochloride 0.00.0 300 0.0 Metformin Hydrochloride 0.0 0.0 0.0 500 Hydroxypropylcellulose 8.0 8.0 8.0 8.0 α-tocopherol, 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 POLYOX ™ N80148.0 148.0 148.0 148.0 POLYOX ™ N303 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 Sodium bicarbonate50.0 50.0 50.0 50.0 Calcium carbonate 75.0 75.0 75.0 75.0 Succinic acid125.0 125.0 125.0 125.0 Cab-O-Sil ® 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.5 Magnesium stearate10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 Push Layer Blend 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 POLYOX ™ N60 220.0220.0 220.0 220.0 Sodium chloride 25.0 25.0 25.0 25.0 Red pigment blend(PB1595) 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 Magnesium stearate 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 Tablet CoreWeight 683 681 973 1173 OPADRY ® II, clear 40.0 40.0 40.0 40.0EUDRAGIT ® RL PO 111.15 111.15 111.15 111.15 Triethyl citrate 16.6516.65 16.65 16.65 Talc 22.20 22.20 22.20 22.20 OPADRY ® II, Pink 15.015.0 15.0 15.0 Opadry EZ, Clear 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 Tablet Weight 898.0896.0 1188.0 1388.0Manufacturing Procedure:

A. Pull Layer Blend:

-   -   Domperidone/odansetron/ranitidine hydrochloride/metformin        hydrochloride, POLYOX™ N 80, POLYOX™ N 303, succinic acid,        α-tocopherol, and hydroxypropyl cellulose are wet granulated;        the resulting granules are dried, milled, and blended with        sodium bicarbonate, calcium carbonate, Parteck® M200,        Cab-O-Sil®, and magnesium stearate to obtain a uniform pull        layer final blend.

B. Push Layer Blend:

-   -   POLYOX™ N 60, sodium chloride, red pigment, and magnesium        stearate are blended into a uniform blend.

C. Bilayered Tablet Core:

-   -   The pull layer blend from Step A and push layer blend from Step        B are pressed horizontally, using a suitable tablet press, into        a bilayered tablet core.

D. Coating System:

-   -   Bilayered tablet cores from Step C are coated with a seal coat        comprising OPADRY® II, Clear, a functional coat comprising        EUDRAGIT® RL PO, triethyl citrate, and talc, a cosmetic coat        comprising OPADRY® II, Pink, and a final coat comprising OPADRY        EZ clear.

E. Laser Hole Drilling:

-   -   A laser hole in fluid communication with the pull layer is        drilled into the coating system (before application of the        cosmetic coat and the final coat described in Step D, above).

Example 13: Extended Release Metronidazole Tablets

The present example provides formulation of extended releasemetronidazole tablets as outlined in Table 10.

TABLE 10 Formulation of Metronidazole Tablets Tablet 25 Ingredientsmg/dose Pull Layer Blend Metronidazole 375 Hydroxypropyl cellulose 8.0Alpha tocopherol (Vit-E) 0.5 POLYOX ™ N80 148.0 POLYOX ™ N303 3.0 Sodiumbicarbonate 50.0 Calcium carbonate 75.0 Succinic acid 125.0 Cab-O-Sil ®3.5 Magnesium stearate 10.0 Push Layer Blend POLYOX ™ N60 220.0 Sodiumchloride 25.0 Red pigment blend (PB1595) 2.0 Magnesium stearate 3.0Tablet Core Weight 1048.0 OPADRY ® II, clear 40.0 EUDRAGIT ® RL PO111.15 Triethyl citrate 16.65 Talc 22.20 OPADRY ® II, Pink 15.0 OpadryEZ, Clear 10.0 Tablet Weight 1263.0Manufacturing Procedure:

A. Pull Layer Blend:

-   -   Metronidazole, POLYOX™ N 80, POLYOX™ N 303, succinic acid,        α-tocopherol, and hydroxypropyl cellulose are granulated by        hot-melt extrusion or wet granulation; the resulting granules        are dried, milled, and blended with sodium bicarbonate, calcium        carbonate, Parteck® M200, Cab-O-Sil®, and magnesium stearate to        obtain a uniform pull layer final blend.

B. Push Layer Blend:

-   -   POLYOX™ N 60, sodium chloride, red pigment, and magnesium        stearate are blended into a uniform blend.

C. Bilayered Tablet Core:

-   -   The pull layer blend from Step A and push layer blend from Step        B are pressed horizontally, using a suitable tablet press, into        a bilayered tablet core.

D. Coating System:

-   -   Bilayered tablet cores from Step C are coated with a seal coat        comprising OPADRY® II, Clear, a functional coat comprising        EUDRAGIT® RL PO, triethyl citrate, and talc, a cosmetic coat        comprising OPADRY® II, Pink, and a final coat comprising OPADRY        EZ clear.

E. Laser Hole Drilling:

-   -   A laser hole in fluid communication with the pull layer is        drilled into the coating system (before application of the        cosmetic coat and the final coat described in Step D, above).

The present disclosure is not to be limited in scope by the specificembodiments described herein. Indeed, various modifications of thedisclosure in addition to those described herein will become apparent tothose skilled in the art from the foregoing description. Moreover, thescope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to theparticular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, compositionof matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. Asone of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from thedisclosure of the presently disclosed subject matter, processes,machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps,presently existing or later to be developed that perform substantiallythe same function or achieve substantially the same result as thecorresponding embodiments described herein can be utilized according tothe presently disclosed subject matter. Accordingly, the appended claimsare intended to include within their scope such processes, machines,manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.

Patents, patent applications, publications, product descriptions, andprotocols are cited throughout this application, the disclosures ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties for allpurposes.

The invention claimed is:
 1. An osmotic, floating gastroretentive dosageform comprising: a) a multilayer core comprising: (i) a pull layercontaining an active pharmaceutical agent, an acid, and a gas generatingagent; and (ii) a push layer, and b) a permeable elastic membranesurrounding the multilayer core, wherein the permeable elastic membranecontains at least one orifice, wherein the permeable elastic membranecomprises a copolymer of ethyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, andtrimethylamminoethyl methacrylate chloride (1:2:0.2); and at least oneplasticizer, wherein the copolymer is present in an amount of from about70% to about 90% w/w of the combined weight of the plasticizer and thecopolymer, wherein the orifice in the permeable elastic membrane is influid communication with the pull layer, wherein the gas generatingagent is present in an amount of from about 10 wt % to about 50 wt % ofthe pull layer weight, and wherein the dosage form, when coming incontact with a dissolution medium simulating gastric conditions, swellsin about 60 minutes or less to a swollen state that prevents its passagethrough pyloric sphincter of a human.
 2. The dosage form of claim 1,wherein the plasticizer is selected from the group consisting oftriethyl citrate, triacetin, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol,dibutyl sebacate, and mixtures thereof.
 3. The dosage form of claim 1,wherein the gas generating agent is sodium bicarbonate, calciumcarbonate, or a mixture thereof.
 4. The dosage form of claim 1, whereinthe acid is selected from the group consisting of succinic acid, citricacid, acetic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, boric acid, and mixturesthereof.
 5. The dosage form of claim 1, wherein both the pull layer andthe push layer further comprise swellable water-soluble polymers.
 6. Thedosage form of claim 5, wherein the swellable water-soluble polymer inthe push layer is a polyethylene oxide polymer having an averagemolecular weight of greater than or equal to about 600,000 Da.
 7. Thedosage form of claim 6, wherein the polyethylene oxide polymer has anaverage molecular weight of about 600,000 Da, about 700,000 Da, about800,000 Da, about 900,000 Da, about 1,000,000 Da, about 2,000,000 Da,about 3,000,000 da, about 4,000,000 Da, about 5,000,000 Da, about6,000,000 Da, about 7,000,000 Da, or any intermediate values therein. 8.The dosage form of claim 5, wherein the swellable water-soluble polymerin the pull layer is a polyethylene oxide polymer having an averagemolecular weight of less than or equal to 1000,000 Da.
 9. The dosageform of claim 8, wherein the polyethylene oxide polymer has an averagemolecular weight of about 100,000 Da, about 200,000 Da, about 300,000Da, about 400,000 Da, about 500,000 Da, about 600,000 Da, about 700,000Da, about 800,000 Da, about 900,000 Da, or any intermediate valuestherein.
 10. The dosage form of claim 1, wherein the activepharmaceutical agent is a moderately soluble drug or a weakly solubledrug.
 11. The dosage form of claim 1, wherein the dosage form is anoval, modified oval, or capsule shaped, multilayer, gastroretentivetablet comprising a long axis and a short axis, wherein the long axis isfrom about 12 mm and to about 22 mm, and the short axis is from about 8mm to about 11 mm.
 12. The dosage form of claim 1, wherein the pushlayer further comprises an osmogen selected from the group comprisingsodium chloride, potassium chloride, potassium sulfate, lithium sulfate,sodium sulfate, lactose and sucrose combination, lactose and dextrosecombination, sucrose, dextrose, mannitol, dibasic sodium phosphate, andcombinations thereof.
 13. An osmotic, floating gastroretentive dosageform comprising: a) a multilayer core comprising: (i) a pull layercontaining an active pharmaceutical agent, an acid, and a gas generatingagent; and (ii) a push layer, and b) a permeable elastic membranesurrounding the multilayer core, wherein the permeable elastic membranecontains at least one orifice, wherein the permeable elastic membranecomprises a copolymer of ethyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, andtrimethylamminoethyl methacrylate chloride (1:2:0.2); and at least oneplasticizer, wherein the orifice in the permeable elastic membrane is influid communication with the pull layer, wherein the gas generatingagent is present in an amount of from about 10 wt % to about 50 wt % ofthe pull layer weight, and wherein the dosage form, on coming in contactwith gastric fluid, expands in 60 minutes or less to a size thatprevents its passage through the pyloric sphincter.
 14. The dosage formof claim 13, wherein the copolymer is present in an amount of from about70% to about 90% w/w of the combined weight of the plasticizer and thecopolymer.
 15. An osmotic, floating gastroretentive dosage formcomprising: a) a multilayer core comprising: (i) a pull layer containingan active pharmaceutical agent, an acid, and a gas generating agent; and(ii) a push layer, and b) a permeable elastic membrane surrounding themultilayer core, wherein the permeable elastic membrane contains atleast one orifice, wherein the permeable elastic membrane comprises acopolymer of ethyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, andtrimethylamminoethyl methacrylate chloride (1:2:0.2); and at least oneplasticizer, wherein the orifice in the permeable elastic membrane is influid communication with the pull layer, wherein the gas generatingagent is present in an amount of from about 10 wt % to about 50 wt % ofthe pull layer weight, and wherein the dosage form, on coming in contactwith 200 ml a dissolution medium comprising pH 4.5 acetate buffer,exhibits a volume gain of about 100% in about 60 minutes or less. 16.The dosage form of claim 15, wherein the copolymer is present in anamount of from about 70% to about 90% w/w of the combined weight of theplasticizer and the copolymer.